TECHNOLOGY

SIM swap scams

In a SIM swap scam, a criminal convinces your mobile carrier to move your phone number to a SIM card or phone they control. A similar trick, called port-out fraud, moves your number to a different carrier. Once they have your number, they receive your calls and texts, including login codes, and can break into your email, bank, and other accounts.

How this scam works

The scammer first gathers your personal details, such as your name, address, birth date, and account information, from data breaches, social media, or phishing. Then they contact your carrier pretending to be you, or work with a dishonest insider, and say your phone was lost or that you are switching carriers. If the carrier accepts their story, your number is moved.

Your phone suddenly shows no service or only emergency calls. While you try to figure out why, the scammer uses your number to reset passwords on your email and financial accounts, since many companies send reset codes by text. They may lock you out by changing recovery settings, then move money or open new accounts in your name.

What it can look like

EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGEYour phone shows "No Service" at home where it usually works. Minutes later, an email says: "Your password was changed. If this wasn't you, [link]." Then your bank shows a transfer you did not make.

Warning signs

Your phone suddenly loses service and shows no service or emergency calls only
A carrier message about a SIM change or transfer you did not request
You cannot make calls or send texts
Password reset alerts for accounts you did not try to access
Notices that your email or account recovery settings were changed
Unexpected requests for your carrier account PIN or personal details

How to protect yourself

Set up a PIN or passcode on your mobile carrier account, and ask about SIM lock or port-out protection.
Use an authenticator app or security key instead of text codes where your accounts allow it.
Limit personal details you share online, like your birth date and address.
Never give your carrier PIN or account details to anyone who contacts you.
Use unique passwords and keep a strong password on your email account.

If you already responded

If your phone suddenly loses service, contact your carrier right away from another phone or visit a store.
Ask the carrier to restore your number, add a PIN, and lock against future SIM changes or transfers.
Change passwords for email first, then banking and other important accounts, from a safe device.
Call your bank and card companies using the number on your statement and report possible fraud.
Consider a free credit freeze with the three nationwide credit bureaus.
Report it at IdentityTheft.gov, and file complaints with the FCC and the FBI's IC3.

Get step-by-step recovery help →

Where to report it

Common questions

How do I know if my SIM card was swapped?

A common sign is that your phone suddenly has no service in a place where it normally works, along with alerts about password changes or account logins you did not make. You may also get a notice from your carrier about a SIM or number change. Contact your carrier right away from another phone.

How can I stop someone from porting my phone number?

Ask your carrier about adding an account PIN or passcode and turning on any number lock or port-out protection it offers. Keep that PIN private. Also reduce how much personal information you share publicly, and use authenticator apps instead of text codes for important accounts where you can.

What accounts are most at risk after a SIM swap?

Any account that sends reset codes by text is at risk, especially email, bank, investment, and social media accounts. Email matters most, because it can unlock many other accounts. Secure email first, then financial accounts, and check recovery settings.

Important: Scammers change tactics. No single warning sign proves fraud, and the absence of warning signs does not mean something is safe. This guide is general education, not legal or financial advice.