Sim Swap: Your SIM has been hijacked. If you see these signs, you've fallen victim to a 'Sim Swap' scam..

Sim Swap Scam: Cybercrime is rapidly increasing. People are being defrauded using new methods. Now, a scam called "SIM Swap" has emerged. In this, fraudsters steal your mobile number, putting your bank, email, and other information at risk. Imagine waking up one morning and your phone is no longer receiving messages or calls. You restart your phone, but nothing happens. Shortly after, you receive an email alert from your bank, stating that money has been withdrawn from your account. This means you've fallen victim to a SIM Swap scam. Let's explore the signs of a SIM Swap scam and what security measures you can take to avoid it.

What is a SIM Swap Scam?
In a SIM Swap scam, hackers take control of your phone number. They intercept your calls, messages, and OTPs. OTPs are codes that keep online accounts secure. Once they have the number, fraudsters can change passwords, hack emails, and withdraw money from your bank. Once you gain access to your number, your bank account can be easily emptied.

How a SIM Swap Scam Starts
First, digital fraudsters steal your personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. This information is obtained through phishing emails. Hackers can also do this through fake customer care calls or leaked databases. Then, the fraudsters contact the company whose SIM you own. They pose as you, claiming to be your phone's owner. They claim you've lost your phone and demand a new SIM. The company activates the new SIM. Your old SIM is deactivated, and your number is transferred to the fraudster.

These signs indicate a SIM has been hijacked:
- The phone suddenly loses network signal for no reason.
- The SIM doesn't have a network, and you don't receive calls or messages.
- You receive a password reset alert, but you don't act on it.
- You receive a suspicious login notification.
- You receive a message that your SIM has been activated on another device.

How to prevent SIM hijacking?
- Set a PIN or password on your mobile account. This is necessary for SIM swap. For two-step security, use an app instead of SMS, such as Google Authenticator, as this will prevent the OTP from reaching fraudsters. Share less personal information online. Don't click on unknown links. Monitor your bank and email accounts. If you notice any unusual activity, report it. If your network goes down, inform your company immediately. The sooner you act, the less damage you will suffer.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Navbharat Times. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.