Understanding SIM Swap Fraud

What is SIM swap fraud?

SIM swapping is a way for a bad actor to steal your mobile phone number and possibly your identity. It occurs when a criminal impersonates you and tricks your mobile phone provider into transferring your phone number to their SIM. Once that happens, they can hack into your personal accounts.

When they have your number, criminals can intercept two-factor confirmation codes texted to your device, log into your accounts to steal money, take out loans in your name, scam friends, change passwords, take over your email, or lock you out of your accounts. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to combat fraud.

Activate SIM protection

T-Mobile’s SIM protection, which you can access here, locks your SIM and prevents changes without your permission. It's simple to use. Just toggle it on. You can lock all the lines on your accounts at once or just select one. It's up to you.

Use a strong PIN

All T-Mobile accounts are assigned a 6-15 digit PIN. Your number can't be ported without verification of the PIN, so the stronger it is, the better.

Protect your physical device

Use facial recognition or fingerprint scanning options to avoid unauthorized use of your phone.

Watch what you post online

Avoid the kind of information often used in security questions to access accounts. Scammers can pick up on this in social media or elsewhere and use it to impersonate you.

Keep an eye out for phishing

Fraudsters can try to get your personal information via emails that seem legitimate. Be on the lookout and clean out your inbox regularly. Delete any emails that contain PINs, passwords, Social Security numbers, or billing statements. If you take these steps, you can greatly reduce the possibility of becoming a victim of fraud.