They do this by searching publicly available records through people search websites, through public social media accounts and through data breach databases.Ĭompanies verifying an identity often ask for information such as a mother’s maiden name, a birthday, the name of a pet or a favorite sport. These criminals begin their scams by finding out as much information about their potential victims as they can. Thieves typically target specific individuals for this scam to work, rather than random unsuspecting people in other scams. SIM hijacking is when hackers trick telecom companies to get access to your SIM card so that they can access your online accounts. SIM swap scam might not be the primary form a scammer uses, but it can be the key to the safe once they are inside the proverbial bank. It is most dangerous for those that require you to verify your identity via a text message to your phone or a call. While having access to a phone number might not seem like a big deal, it does allow hackers a way into many accounts. This is a scam that has picked up steam in recent years, mainly because of the emergence of two-factor authentication.

In short, a SIM swap scam is a way for hackers or identity thieves to trick a phone company into handing over access to your phone number. The way they do it is rather rudimentary, but the power they can wield can be extremely dangerous - and costly.

One of the newest ways hackers are stealing information is known as a SIM swap scam.Ī SIM swap scam, also known as SIM card jacking, SIM splitting, smishing and a port-out scam, is a way for hackers to take over your phone. While this has made life more convenient, it also opens up a major door for thieves to enter our private lives. Most of us have apps for bank accounts, Paypal, credit cards, subscription accounts like Netflix, Amazon accounts and more, all connected to our phones. Cybercriminals have a new tool in their kit known as a SIM swap scam that can let them break into some of the most secure accounts that are protected by two-factor authentication.Īs smartphones get smarter and smarter, they are becoming ever more connected to nearly every aspect of our lives.

Prevent sim card hack