Accounts And Identity
SIM swap
A phone-number takeover used to steal codes.
What it means
A scammer tricks a mobile provider into moving your phone number to their device so they can receive calls, texts, and account codes.
Example
Your phone suddenly loses service, and soon after your email or bank account password is changed.
Warning signs
- Your phone loses service for no clear reason.
- You receive alerts about carrier changes you did not request.
- Account reset emails appear unexpectedly.
- Text-based login codes stop reaching your phone.
Safer next steps
- Contact your mobile provider immediately.
- Ask about account locks or port-out protection.
- Change important passwords from a secure device.
- Use app-based authentication instead of SMS when possible.