🧠 What the Scam Is: SIM Swap / SIM Hijacking

Balasahana Suresh
The main method hackers use to steal money via your SIM card is called a SIM swap attack — also known as SIM hijacking or SIM porting. In this scam, fraudsters trick your mobile carrier into transferring your phone number to a SIM card they control. Once they have your number, they can receive your SMS messages and calls — including one‑time passwords (OTPs) and verification codes used for banking and important accounts.

This isn’t a sophisticated computer hack on your device itself — it’s a social engineering attack targeting your mobile account with your carrier.

🔍 How Hackers Do It

1. Gather Personal Information

Cybercriminals often begin by collecting personal data about you, such as:

  • Your full name, date of birth, address
  • Phone number and email address
  • Information from data breaches or social media profiles
  • Answers to security questions
    This information helps them appear legitimate when interacting with your mobile provider.
2. Contact Your mobile Provider

The hacker calls your telecom company posing as you, claiming things like:

  • “My SIM was damaged”
  • “I lost my phone”
  • “I want to switch to a new phone”
Using your personal details, they convince customer service to activate your number on a new SIM card they hold. At that moment, your old SIM stops working and they begin receiving your calls and SMS messages.

3. Steal bank Credentials and OTPs

With control of your phone number, the attacker can:

  • Receive OTP codes sent by your bank or UPI apps.
  • Use “Forgot Password” features to reset passwords.
  • Log into your online banking, email, and social accounts.
  • Transfer money out of your bank account or UPI wallet.
In many cases, hackers don’t need your bank password — the OTP confirmation sent via SMS is enough to authorize transfers. Once they have that, they can drain balances in minutes.

💥 Real‑World Consequences

Scammers have used these attacks to:

  • Drain bank accounts
  • Transfer funds to other accounts
  • Open fraudulent loans and credit in victims’ names
  • Lock victims out of their own accounts
    There are documented cases where victims lost thousands of dollars within hours of a SIM swap.
🧠 Signs You Might Be Targeted

Be alert if you notice any of the following suddenly:

  • Your phone loses service even though your bill is paid
  • No calls or SMS are coming in
  • You receive unexpected account change alerts
  • You can’t access accounts despite correct passwords
    These can be early warnings of a SIM swap attack.
🔐 How to Protect Yourself

✅ 1. Use Strong Account Security

  • Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
  • Avoid sharing personal details publicly on social media.
✅ 2. Avoid SMS‑Based Authentication

Wherever possible, use authenticator apps (like google Authenticator, Authy) or hardware keys for two‑factor authentication — these don’t rely on your phone number.

✅ 3. Enable Carrier Security Features

  • Set a SIM PIN or port‑out PIN with your mobile provider — a secondary code required before your number can be transferred.
  • Contact your carrier to ask about extra account protection options they offer.
✅ 4. Monitor Your Accounts

Turn on alerts for bank transactions and unusual login attempts. Regularly check your bank statements for suspicious charges.

✅ 5. Report Immediately if You Suspect Fraud

If your SIM stops working unexpectedly or you see unauthorized account changes:

  • Contact your mobile carrier right away.
  • Call your bank to freeze accounts.
  • Report the fraud to local authorities or cybercrime units.
📌 Why This Scam Is Effective

Most banks and online services still rely on SMS OTP for security, making phone numbers an attractive target. Once a hacker controls your SIM, they can bypass some of your most important security defenses without needing advanced technical hacking skills.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

For more interesting updates click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel

Find Out More:

SIM

Related Articles: