You may have never heard of a “sim swap” scam before, but if you own a mobile phone, you need to be aware of this growing threat. In a sim swap scam, a fraudster takes control of your phone number by tricking your carrier into transferring your service to a new SIM card. They then use this access to hijack your online accounts and steal your personal information. Here’s what you need to know about this type of scam and how you can protect yourself.
How Sim Swapping Works?
A sim swap scam typically starts with the fraudster collecting some personal information about you, such as your name, address, and date of birth. They then contact your mobile phone carrier and pose as you in order to request a new SIM card for your phone number. In some cases, the fraudster may even visit a physical store to do this. Once they have control of your phone number, they start trying to break into your online accounts using the password reset features.
For example, let’s say you have an account with an online bank that requires two-factor authentication (2FA) for login. The 2FA process typically works by sending a code to your mobile phone that you then enter along with your password to gain access to your account. However, if the fraudster has control of your phone number, they can intercept this code and use it to log into your account without needing your password. From there, they can transfer money out of your account or make other changes without you ever knowing.
How to Protect Yourself from Sim Swapping Scams?
The best way to protect yourself from sim-swapping scams is to be vigilant about who has access to your personal information. Be careful about what information you share online and with whom you share it. Additionally, avoid using public Wi-Fi whenever possible since it can be easy for someone to hack into these networks and collect sensitive data like passwords and credit card numbers. Finally, make sure all of the accounts that are linked to your mobile phone number have strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
But how can you know that your sim card has been hijacked or your personal information is at risk?
For this, you need to keep an eye on the online platform where your data could be at risk of sim swap scams. Look for any suspicious activity like:
- Unusual login attempts
- Unexpected changes to your carrier account settings
- A sudden drop in service quality, like delays in messages or calls
If you see any of these signs, it’s possible that your accounts have been compromised. Change your passwords immediately and contact your mobile carrier to let them know.
Besides that, the most important thing is to keep an eye on the online platforms where your data can be sold to cybercriminals or hackers.
The best way to do this is by subscribing to a Dark Web Scanner service.
What are the Benefits of Using Dark Web Scanner Services?
There are many benefits of using dark web scanner services, such as:
Monitoring the Dark Web:
By subscribing to a dark web scanner service, you can monitor the dark web for your personal information. This way, you can be alerted as soon as your data is found on the black market so you can take steps to protect yourself.
Identify Your Digital Assets:
Dark web scanner services also allow you to identify your digital assets being sold on the black market. This information can be used to help you better secure your online accounts and prevent future attacks.
Prevent Future Attacks:
Once you’re aware of what digital assets are being sold on the dark web, you can take steps to prevent future attacks. This may include changing your passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding the public.
Improve Your Sim Card Security:
By using a dark web scanner service, you can also improve your sim card security. This way, you can be sure that your personal information is safe and secure.
What Are the Best Dark Web Scanner Services?
There are many different dark web scanner services available, but not all of them are created equal. But Mobilen.io’s Dark Web Scanner Service is one of the best.
Mobilen.io’s Dark Web Scanner Service is a powerful tool that helps you monitor the dark web for your personal information. It also allows you to identify your digital assets being sold on the black market. Additionally, Mobilen.io’s service can help you prevent future attacks and improve your sim card security.
Why Mobilen.io?
There are many reasons why Mobilen.io is the best dark web scanner service, such as:
Provides Instant Breach Management Alerts:
Mobilen.io’s service provides instant breach management alerts. This way, you can be alerted as soon as your data is found on the black market. The instant breach management alerts allow you to take steps to protect yourself and your accounts.
Instantly Track Your Financial Credentials and Make Alerts:
Mobilen.io’s service also allows you to instantly track your financial credentials and make alerts. Financial credentials are often used by cybercriminals to commit fraud or identity theft. By tracking your financial credentials, you can be sure that your information is safe and secure.
Affordable Pricing:
Mobilen.io’s dark web scanner service is very affordable. The packages are better than any other dark web scanner service in the market. So you can be sure that you’re getting the best value for your money.
To get started with Mobilen.io’s dark web scanner service, all you need to do is sign up for a package. After that, you can start monitoring the dark web for your personal information. Plus, you can also take steps to prevent future attacks and improve your sim card security.
So what are you waiting for? Get started with Mobilen.io’s dark web scanner service today!
Conclusion
Sim swapping scams are on the rise, so it’s important for mobile phone users to be aware of this threat and take steps to protect themselves. By being vigilant about who has access to their personal information and taking advantage of security features like 2FA, people can dramatically reduce their chances of becoming victims of this type of scam.
References
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/sep/26/sim-swap-fraud-mobile-phone-vodafone-customer
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-crypto-currency-lawsuit-idUSKBN22J32V
https://www.vice.com/en/article/d3n3am/att-and-verizon-employees-charged-sim-swapping-criminal-ring