Current:Home > ContactOne Tech Tip: Protecting yourself against SIM swapping -FutureFinance
One Tech Tip: Protecting yourself against SIM swapping
View
Date:2025-04-14 22:07:02
NEW YORK (AP) — SIM-swapping is a growing form of identity theft that goes beyond hacking into an email or social media account. In this case, the thieves take over your phone number. Any calls or texts go to them, not to you.
Any protections consumers enabled to secure access to their financial accounts, such as two-factor authentication texts, now can aid attackers and lock out owners.
Experts say these scams will only increase and become more sophisticated, while the data show they are on the rise. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center reports that SIM-swapping complaints have increased more than 400% from 2018 to 2021, with associated personal losses estimated to be more than $68 million.
Rachel Tobac, CEO of online security company SocialProof Security, says the numbers are probably a vast underestimate because most identity thefts are not reported.
How does the scheme work?
Criminals use personal information about their victims — phone numbers, addresses, birthdays and Social Security numbers — obtained through data breaches, leaks, dark web purchases or phishing scams to impersonate the victims as they contact their mobile carriers.
They will claim the original phone and SIM card were damaged, lost or sold accidentally and ask for the number to be associated with a new SIM, or eSIM, card in their possession. Once this is done, the phone number belongs to the criminals, along with the ability to receive text messages or calls to verify accounts.
Prevention is the best form of protection, according to cybersecurity experts. The tricks and habits security experts say help prevent SIM-swapping are what they have long been recommending for online security in general. They include the following:
Better password habits
If your credentials are caught in a cyber breach, the hackers could try using the stolen passwords to get into other services to gather the personal data they need to pull off a SIM swap.
If you’ve been using the same or similar login information for multiple websites or online accounts, make sure to change it. If criminals pilfer your password from one service, they can try it on your other accounts and easily get into all of them. If you find it too hard to memorize your various credentials, consider a password manager.
Also use strong passwords that include letters, numbers and symbols. The longer they are, the better. Some experts say they should be 16 characters.
Multifactor authentication without texts
Add biometrics or multifactor authentication apps and devices that do not involve texting. These methods often use separate login methods and encryption that are not tied to your phone’s identity, making them more difficult for criminals to access.
AT&T also advises contacting your carrier to set up a unique passcode to prevent significant account changes such as porting phone numbers to another carrier. Your carrier may already have other protections in place to protect against SIM swapping, so it’s worth calling them to ask.
Watch out for phishing schemes (especially at work)
Criminals will use email or text messages to try to trick you into giving them your personal and financial information or to expose your workplace to possible attacks, and it’s incredibly effective.
In its annual State of the Phish report, the cybersecurity firm Proofpoint found a majority of data breaches across the world still center on human lapses.
If you suspect you have received a possible phishing message or email, report it. Most of the popular email platforms have buttons or functions specifically for reporting phishing attempts. If you’re at work, follow the advice from your company’s information security team.
Steps to take if you’re a victim
All major U.S. carriers have web pages advising victims how to report a SIM fraud.
But an Associated Press reporter, who recently was hit by such an attack, advises that victims should be diligent in working with the carrier to fix the issue. Filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, the Internet Crime Complaint Center or with their state attorneys general can possibly expedite recovery efforts.
If card payment numbers were stolen, inform your bank or credit card company, explaining that your card is at risk of fraud and asking the company to alert you to any suspicious activity.
You can also notify credit agencies, including the three main firms: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. They can freeze your credit, which restricts access to your credit report and makes it hard to open new accounts or issue a fraud alert and will add a warning to your credit report encouraging lenders to contact you before lending money.
veryGood! (82)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- 12 Self-Care Products You Need If Your Spring Break Is Filled With Fun In The Sun
- QVC Hosts Carolyn Gracie and Dan Hughes Exit Shopping Network After 19-Plus Years
- Long-ignored Fourth Mafia emerges as most violent in Italy: You always feel the fear
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Ditch Sugary Sodas for This 20% Discount on Poppi: An Amazon Top-Seller With 15,000+ 5-Star Reviews
- Long-ignored Fourth Mafia emerges as most violent in Italy: You always feel the fear
- North Korea, irate over U.S.-South Korea war games, claims to test sea drone capable of unleashing radioactive tsunami
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Transcript: Neel Kashkari on Face the Nation, March 26, 2023
Ranking
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Biden and Trudeau vow cooperation on trade and security after talks in Canada
- Putin says Russia will respond accordingly if Ukraine gets depleted uranium shells from U.K., claiming they have nuclear component
- Andy Cohen Addresses Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix's Vanderpump Rules Breakup Scandal
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Judge Greg Mathis' Advice to Parents of Queer Children Will Truly Inspire You
- Monarch butterfly presence in Mexican forests drops 22%, report says
- QVC Hosts Carolyn Gracie and Dan Hughes Exit Shopping Network After 19-Plus Years
Recommendation
Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
Uganda anti-LGBTQ bill that would impose death penalty for aggravated homosexuality draws condemnation
Pete Davidson and Chase Sui Wonders Pack on the PDA During Kauai Getaway
E! Announces 3 More Original Rom-Coms: Watch a First Look at the Films
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Aubrey O'Day Shares She Suffered a Miscarriage
Kylie Jenner & Khloe Kardashian Bring Kids to Friend's Birthday Party That's Straight Out of a Fairytale
Heather Dubrow Supports Youngest Child Ace After He Comes Out as Transgender