SIM Swapping Scams

Your BBB® has learned of a type of scam occurring. We wanted to make our readers aware that if your phone stops working, it could just be your battery, or something much more sinister. “SIM swapping” involves changing the small, removable chip in most phones that contains network and billing information. Thieves can not only disable your mobile phone, but they can also activate a new phone or phones on your account, using your phone number. Identity thieves can convince your wireless provider that they are you, and then use your account to purchase high end smartphones and send you the bill. “SIM swapping” is growing in popularity, with identity theft complaints involving new wireless accounts increasing to 6.3% or one out of every 16 since December 2015.

Identity Theft Statistics (PDF)

“SIM swap” fraud is a two-step process. First, identity thieves gather the information they need to convince your wireless provider that they are you. This information can include your name, Social Security Number, street address, and the name of your wireless provider. This information can be gathered either from a legitimate-looking phishing email, or by calling you and impersonating your mobile provider and asking you a series of questions.

For more on this scam, click here.