Scammers don't have to gain physical access to your phone in order to access your SIM card. Instead, SIM swap scams occur when fraudsters pose as you and trick your phone carrier into providing them with a SIM in your name. This gives them access to your phone number — and, potentially, your online accounts and data.
SIM swap fraud occurs when scammers take advantage of a weakness in two-factor authentication and verification and use your phone number to access your accounts. SIM swapping happens when scammers contact your mobile phone's carrier and trick them into activating a SIM card that the fraudsters have.
Usually, the clearest sign that a SIM card was targeted by a hacker is that calls or text messages aren't coming through. This includes an inability to make calls or send texts, as well as not receiving incoming calls or texts.
SIM jacking or SIM swapping
Finally, SIM jacking, also known as SIM swapping or SIM hijacking, is a form of attack that involves the hacker accessing the victim's mobile device in order to take control of their SIM card. This is done by sending spyware code to the phone to break into the device.
The short answer to this is yes. It's absolutely possible for someone to clone or even hack your SIM card. However, it's not that common – in fact installing spyware onto a victim's device is a much more common practice used by hackers.
Or, if the thief is someone close to you and directly interested in your private life, without an active SIM PIN, he or she might be able to also listen to your voicemail or read your new messages. That is not something you would want, so setting and using a PIN for your SIM card is always a good idea.
Once scammers know your number, they can target you with phishing texts and calls, or trick you into downloading malware and giving up personal information. And once they gain access to your personally identifiable information (PII), it doesn't take much more to access your financial (and other sensitive) accounts.
What Can Scammers Do With Your Phone Number? If you've experienced identity theft, you should probably change your phone number. It's a massive inconvenience, but the pros will outweigh the cons.
There are other signs of a hacked phone, such as reduced screenshot quality, unusually high data usage, and apps crashing randomly. If you notice any of these signs, you can take immediate steps to protect your device by downloading a security tool that can scan your device for risks and remediate threats.
Therefore, if someone puts your Sim card into their phone, they will not see any text messages that you have received on your phone, unless you have manually moved your SMS's to your Sim. As long as you haven't saved your contacts to your Sim card, they will not have any personal info at all.
If you have lost or misplaced your SIM card, you can call any other number on 18008899999, provide relevant information, and they will block your SIM.
First let's clear up one myth - giving out your bank account number and BSB is fine. "There is no issue in giving out your BSB/account details as it's only possible to deposit funds rather than withdraw funds," an ING spokesperson told Money. "If an unauthorised debit occurs then the debiting institution is liable."
No—unless you hit a link included in the text. To avoid getting hacked, do not hit any link that comes with a text or email—unless you are absolutely sure of the sender's identity.
Lock your SIM card with a PIN (personal identification number) so an identification code is required to make phone calls and use mobile data. To stop other people using your SIM card to make phone calls or use mobile data, you can use a SIM PIN.
If your phone has a SIM card, it may store your personal information. Remove the SIM card. If you're going to keep the same phone number, you may be able to transfer your SIM card to your new phone. If you're not going to reuse the SIM card, destroy it.
Data that SIM cards contain include user identity, location and phone number, network authorization data, personal security keys, contact lists and stored text messages. SIM cards allow a mobile user to use this data and the features that come with them.
Excess water, spraying, splashing, or submerging can be enough to damage a physical eSIM and prevent it from working. Spillage with corrosive or hot liquids also risks damaging a SIM card if they leak into the SIM tray.
Go to Settings > Security > More security settings. Tap SIM card lock. Turn on Lock SIM card and enter the default PIN if you're enabling it for the first time.
Deactivation is a permanent process to end all network capability and billing for a SIM that is no longer needed. You must be in an Organization Owner, Admin, or Manager role to have the necessary permissions to deactivate SIMs on an account. Note: Deactivation is a permanent and irreversible process.