A SIM swap is a type of cyberattack where someone tricks your mobile carrier into transferring your phone number to a new SIM card they control. This lets them receive your calls and texts and access your accounts, steal money or commit identity fraud.
Imagine waking up to find you’ve lost access to your bank account, email and social media all at once. That’s exactly what can happen when someone takes over your phone number through SIM swapping or hijacking.
Even high-profile organizations aren’t immune to SIM hijacking. On January 9, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s official X account was hacked. Just two days later, investigators confirmed the culprit was a SIM swap attack. Learn how SIM swapping works and what you can do to protect yourself before it’s too late.
What Is a SIM Swap Attack?
A SIM swap attack, also known as SIM hijacking, is when someone tricks your phone carrier into transferring your number to their SIM card. That means all your calls and text messages, including security codes, go straight to the attacker instead of you. It’s not a hack of your devices; it’s about fooling the telecom systems to hand over control.
How Does a SIM Swap Scam Work?
Once the hackers have your number, they quickly reset passwords and take over your accounts. Then, to pull off SIM swapping frauds, attackers gather personal details. They may get these from phishing emails, data leaks or even public social media profiles. Here’s the kind of information they might use:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your address and phone number
- Answers to security questions like your first pet’s name
- Details from stolen ID documents
- Account numbers or PINs linked to your mobile service
They usually target bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, email and social media accounts. Messaging apps like WhatsApp are also at risk, leading to WhatsApp scams where attackers message your contacts pretending to be you.
Signs of SIM Swapping
If you know how to tell if you’ve been SIM swapped, you can act fast before major damage is done. The signs are often sudden and unexpected, so pay attention to changes in your phone’s behavior.
Here are some warning signs of SIM swapping attacks:
- You can’t call or text: Your phone shows “no service” even though your bill is paid.
- You’re unable to log in to accounts: Passwords seem changed, and reset codes never reach your device.
- You see transactions you didn’t make: Bank or payment app records show suspicious charges.
- You’re notified of activity elsewhere: Security alerts warn of logins from strange locations or devices.
- You get locked out of WhatsApp: You receive a message saying your WhatsApp number is registered on another phone.
- You receive unexpected account reset notifications: You receive them even if you didn’t request them.
If you spot more than one of these signs, treat it as urgent. Contact your carrier and secure your accounts immediately.
How to Prevent SIM Swapping
The best defense is knowing how to protect against SIM swap scams before they happen. Attackers usually need a mix of your personal information and weak account protections to succeed. A few smart steps can make their job much harder.
Here’s how you can prevent SIM swapping and safeguard your devices:
- Modify online behavior: Limit how much personal information you share on social media. Hackers use birthdays, addresses and family details to impersonate you.
- Enhance account security: Use an authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator, or a hardware security key instead of SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Use PIN codes: Add a carrier PIN or passcode to your mobile account. Without it, no SIM changes should be allowed.
- Enable account alerts: Turn on push notifications or email alerts for suspicious logins or changes.
- Upgrade your SIM: Switch to eSIMs since they are harder to track. While SIM swap attacks trick your carrier, an eSIM removes the risk of someone physically stealing or swapping your card.
- Secure your email: Many account resets go through email first, so use strong passwords and 2FA there.
How to Report an Unauthorized SIM Change
If you suspect or confirm that your number has been hijacked, act fast. Knowing what to do if you’ve been SIM swapped can make the difference between a quick recovery and full account takeover.
Here’s what you should do:
- Call your mobile carrier right away and explain that your SIM was swapped without consent. Ask them to suspend your number, verify your ID and restore access.
- Report the incident to your local law enforcement or cybercrime agency — SIM swapping is often linked to bigger schemes, including attacks with ransomware.
How to Recover From SIM Swapping
If your SIM gets hijacked, speed is everything. The sooner you act, the less damage the attacker can do. Start by contacting your mobile carrier and asking them to immediately lock or restore your number. Be ready to verify your identity with personal information and any account PIN you’ve set up.
Here are key steps to take right away:
- Alert your bank and credit card providers: Freeze or monitor accounts for unusual activity.
- Change passwords for all important accounts: Prioritize email, financial services and social media.
- Enable stronger security methods: Switch from SMS verification to authenticator apps or security keys.
- Check for other breaches: Look for unauthorized changes in your online accounts and report them.
- File a police report: This can help in recovering funds and alerting others to the crime.
How Wireless Providers Combat SIM Swap Fraud
Wireless providers know SIM swapping attacks are on the rise — a 240% surge in 2024 alone — and many have added extra safeguards to protect customers. Most carriers now offer optional account PINs, one-time verification codes and stricter ID checks before approving SIM changes.
Some providers also monitor accounts for suspicious activity, such as repeated SIM change requests or logins from unusual locations. They may block the transfer until you confirm it’s legitimate. Many are investing in eSIM technology and secure customer portals, making it harder for attackers to manipulate accounts through call centers or retail stores.
While these measures can’t stop every attack, they do make SIM swap fraud much harder to pull off.
SIM Swap Examples
SIM swapping attacks have hit people and organizations across the globe, often with devastating results. High-value targets are especially at risk — attackers go after cryptocurrency holders, celebrities, top executives and even government agencies. The goal is usually to steal money, access private accounts or cause public embarrassment.
Here are some common motives behind SIM swap attacks:
- Financial gain: Taking over bank accounts, payment apps or crypto wallets
- Identity theft: Using stolen personal details to open new accounts or commit fraud
- Reputational damage: Posting false statements from hacked accounts
- Espionage: Gaining access to private communications of high-profile individuals
These attacks are often paired with other cybercrimes. For example, once they control your number, criminals can spread malware or trick you into downloading fake antivirus for Android phones. And yes, someone can hack your iPhone if they gain control over the right linked accounts.
Avoid Cyberthreats Like SIM Swaps With Panda Security
SIM swapping is a gateway for criminals to empty your accounts, steal your identity and compromise your most personal spaces online. The best way to get ahead is to stay vigilant and add layers of protection wherever possible.
Panda Security offers tools that help you protect your personal information, secure your devices and block the tactics hackers use to pull off SIM swaps. From advanced identity protection to real-time threat detection, Panda offers protection from a wide range of cyberthreats. Get Panda Dome today and keep your data, devices and digital life safe.
SIM Swapping FAQ
If you still have questions about SIM swapping, here are answers to some frequently asked questions so you can get better SIM swap protection.
Can You Swap SIM Cards Between Phones?
Yes, you can swap SIM cards between compatible phones, and your number will work on the new device. However, this also means an attacker could do the same if they convince your carrier to issue them a new SIM with your number.
Does SIM Lock Prevent SIM Swap?
A SIM lock (or carrier lock) prevents a phone from using SIM cards from other networks, but it doesn’t stop your carrier from transferring your number to a different SIM. It’s useful for keeping your device tied to one network but is not a security feature against SIM hijacking.
Which Accounts Are Most at Risk From SIM Swapping?
Accounts that rely on SMS for two-factor authentication are the most vulnerable. This includes online banking, cryptocurrency wallets, email services, social media accounts and messaging apps like WhatsApp. Once attackers control your number, they can reset passwords and access these accounts.
How Do I Know if I Was SIM Swapped?
Common signs include sudden loss of mobile service, being locked out of important accounts or receiving alerts about password changes you didn’t make. You might also notice unauthorized transactions or get messages saying your number is registered on another device.
How Do I Add SIM Protection?
Contact your carrier and request a SIM PIN or account passcode that must be verified before any SIM change. Enable multi-factor authentication using authenticator apps or security keys instead of SMS codes. Also, limit personal information online to reduce the data cybercriminals can use to impersonate you.