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What is SIM swap fraud? How criminals hijack your phone number

By SendPay Business · · 2 min read

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SIM swap fraud is when a criminal persuades your mobile network to move your phone number onto a SIM card they control. From then on, your calls and texts, including one-time security codes from your bank, go to them instead of you.

How it works

  • The criminal gathers personal details about you, often from phishing or data leaks.
  • They contact your mobile network pretending to be you and ask for a new SIM.
  • Your phone suddenly loses signal as the number moves to their SIM.
  • They use texted security codes to get into your money accounts.
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Warning signs

Your phone shows no service or emergency calls only for no clear reason, you get a message from your network about a SIM change you did not ask for, or you stop receiving texts. Contact your network straight away from another phone.

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How to protect yourself

Ask your mobile network to add a PIN or password to your account, share as little personal detail online as you can, and where a service offers an authenticator app or passkey instead of text codes, use it.

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Why it matters for money apps

Strong customer authentication relies on something you have, often your phone. Platforms that support app-based approval or biometrics are harder to break into with a SIM swap than those relying on text codes alone.

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How it works

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Questions people ask

What is account takeover fraud?

What criminals do once they are in.

Account takeover →
What is phishing?

How criminals gather the details they need.

Phishing →
Can I launch my own money app?

Yes, powered by licensed partners.

See platforms →

Read next

Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.