SIM Swap Scams: How Mobile Number Porting Can Expose Your Entire Digital Life

• SIM swap
• mobile security
• identity theft

SIM swap (phone porting) scams are surging in Australia. Learn how scammers take control of your mobile number and what you can do to protect yourself.

What Is a SIM Swap Scam?

The mobile phone porting scam—better known as a SIM swap scam—happens when a scammer transfers your mobile number to a SIM card they control, without your knowledge or permission. Once in control, they can intercept calls and texts, including two-factor authentication codes, making it much easier to hijack your bank, email, and other online accounts.

Why Are SIM Swaps So Dangerous?

• Account Takeover: Many services use SMS codes for security. If a scammer controls your number, they can break into your bank accounts, reset passwords, and access shopping, crypto, and loyalty accounts.
• Premium Charges: Scammers may rack up charges by making premium calls or texts from your number.
• Identity Fraud: With enough information, criminals can pass stringent ID checks, even for eSIM or in-store swaps.

How Do SIM Swap Scams Happen?

• Gathering Data: Scammers harvest as much of your personal info as possible from data breaches (like the Optus 2024 breach), social media, phishing, and the dark web—sometimes using AI to create a full profile.
• Social Engineering: Criminals use clever tricks and emotional pressure on telco staff, pretending to be you and claiming they've lost their phone or want to change carriers.
• Bypassing Security: Even with new rules requiring in-store ID checks and multi-factor authentication for SIM swaps, scammers sometimes find a way—especially if your identity is thoroughly compromised.

Is the Problem Getting Worse?

Yes. According to the ACMA, the rate of SIM swap scams in Australia jumped 160% from 2023 to 2024. In 2024 alone, Telstra was fined over $1.5 million for failures to properly authenticate customer identities in thousands of high-risk transactions, including SIM swaps. In the UK, SIM swap fraud and telco-related identity theft are also sharply rising.

Who Is Most at Risk?

• High-profile individuals and business executives
• Cryptocurrency investors
• Seniors and those less familiar with cybersecurity
• Anyone who overshares personal details online

Warning Signs You’ve Been SIM Swapped

• Your phone suddenly loses signal for calls or texts
• You can’t log in to online services that rely on SMS codes
• Unexpected password reset requests on your accounts
• Banks or services warn you about suspicious access attempts

How to Protect Yourself from SIM Swap Scams

• Limit What You Share: Avoid oversharing personal information on social media—scammers use details like your birthdate, pets, and hometown to answer security questions.
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Requests: Don’t provide personal information over the phone or text unless you initiated the contact. Hang up and call back on a verified number.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check bank and online account activity for suspicious transactions or access.
• Act Fast: If you suspect a SIM swap, immediately contact your telco, bank, and any financial services, change your passwords, and place a fraud alert on your credit files.
• Enable Stronger Authentication: Where possible, use app-based or hardware-based two-factor authentication instead of SMS codes.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

• Contact your telco to lock your account and reverse the port
• Contact your bank and other financial providers, change all passwords, and freeze accounts if necessary
• File a police report and notify your country's cybercrime agency
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report and monitor for identity theft

Final Tips

SIM swap fraud is a rapidly evolving threat, powered by new tech and sophisticated social engineering. In a world where your phone number is often the key to your digital life, treat it like gold. Be vigilant, act fast at the first sign of trouble, and think twice before sharing your details online. Prevention and quick action are your best defences.