Our cell phones contain contact information, text messages, e-mail access, auto-filled login credentials and much more. Imagine that your cell phone suddenly stops working: no data, no text messages, no phone calls. Then imagine calling your cellular provider only to discover that your SIM card has been activated on a new device. At this point, you are possibly the victim of a SIM card swap scam.

How the SIM card swap scam works:

• With your cell phone number and personal information like name and address, a scammer can call your cell phone service provider and say your phone was lost or damaged. Then they ask the provider to activate a new SIM card connected to your phone number on a new phone – a phone they own. If your provider believes the story without additional verification procedures and activates the new SIM card, the scammer – not you – will get all your text messages, calls, and data on the new phone.
• Imagine the damage a scammer – who now has control of your number – can do with all your information. Even if you have multifactor authentication (MFA) enabled on your financial accounts, which requires two or more credentials to log in, you are not protected. The scammer will receive the text message with the verification code they need to log in.
• Armed with your login credentials, the scammer could log in to your bank account and steal your money, or take over your email or social media accounts. And they could change the passwords and lock you out of your accounts. To say the least, this situation is a nightmare.

How to protect yourself from a SIM card swap scam:

• Don't reply to unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages that request personal information. These could be phishing attempts by scammers to get your personal information. If you get a request for your account or personal information, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real. Companies you do business with, especially financial institutions, will never ask you to verify your information unless you have reached out to them first.
• Limit the personal information you share online. Avoid posting your full name, address, or phone number on public and social media sites. An identity thief can use it to answer the security questions required to verify your identity and log in to your accounts. This includes those supposedly harmless Facebook posts from friends asking you to name your favorite color, movie, etc.
• Set up a PIN or password on your cellular account. This is a very simple way to add security to your cellular account and can help protect your account from unauthorized changes. Check your provider's website for information on how to do this.

If you're the victim of a SIM card swap scam:

• If you discover that your phone has lost your data, text, etc., contact your cellular service provider immediately to determine if you have been the victim of a SIM Swap. Your cellular company should be able to reverse the SIM card swap so you can take back control of your phone number. After you re-gain access to your phone number, change your account passwords.
• Check your credit card, bank, and other financial accounts for unauthorized charges or changes regularly. If your phone stops working, use another device like a desktop computer or tablet as soon as possible. If you see anything suspicious, report them to the company or institution immediately.
• If you think a scammer has your information – like your Social Security Number, credit card, or bank account numbers – go to IdentityTheft.gov to see the specific steps to take.
• For more helpful information about this topic, take advantage of the free resources provided by the Federal Trade Commission at consumer.ftc.gov.