Has your SIM been hacked? If you see these signs on your phone, you've fallen victim to a SIM swap scam.

In the digital age, the methods of cybercriminals are becoming more and more cunning. Recently, a dangerous fraud called the SIM swap scam has been increasingly reported, in which fraudsters gain complete control of your mobile number. Imagine waking up one morning and finding no calls or messages on your phone, and the network is gone! Then, suddenly, you receive an email from your bank informing you that money has been withdrawn from your account. This clearly indicates that you have fallen victim to a SIM swap scam.

In this scam, cybercriminals first gather your personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, or Aadhaar details. They obtain this data through phishing emails, fake websites, or leaked databases. Then, they contact your mobile network operator, posing as you, and request a new SIM card. When the company activates a new SIM, your old SIM is automatically deactivated. This is where fraudsters gain access to your mobile number.

They can now easily intercept messages, OTPs, and bank alerts sent to your phone. Since OTPs are the most important layer of security for online accounts, once they have the number, fraudsters can change passwords, hack emails, and empty your bank account.

If your phone suddenly loses network signal, calls or messages stop coming, or you receive a password reset notification even though you haven't done anything, this should be a red flag. Sometimes, you receive a message stating that your SIM has been activated on another device, a clear sign that someone else has your number.

For security, set a PIN or password on your mobile account to prevent anyone from simply swapping your SIM. Use an app like Google Authenticator instead of SMS for two-factor authentication, so that OTPs remain private. Don't share your personal information on social media or through unknown links.

Always monitor your bank and email account activity, and if your network suddenly disappears, immediately notify your mobile network provider. Taking timely action can be your best defense against this cyber fraud.