How does the program work?
Criminals can access a target’s mobile number without stealing the device itself. By reissuing a SIM card and obtaining a copy of it, intruders can take control of the number. This method is described by experts who study telecom security and fraud dynamics.
Two main strategies emerge in the analysis of how this scheme operates. First, a social engineer presents convincing, legitimate documents to a clerk at a telecom shop, or a similar service point, to obtain a fresh SIM. The second path relies on an insider who knows about the deception and accepts weak or forged documents, such as a misrepresented power of attorney, to enable the reissue.
For those aiming to steal a specific person’s number, another tactic involves presenting a fake passport. The intruder may walk into a retail or service center, claim the device was lost and argue to keep the same number. The clerk then assists with a request to duplicate the SIM, allowing the criminal to seize the number with ease.
In many cases, the data set used for the fraud includes the full name, serial and number, with a photo that is missing or altered. A fake passport can show all details matching except for the photograph. A single person may be the point of contact at the shop, facilitating the operation.
Simultaneously with acquiring the number, fraudsters can gain access to authentication codes for mobile banking, postal services, and social media accounts. Industry observers have noted that the personal data involved in these schemes is highly sought after, as it can be used to drain accounts from telecom operators and financial institutions.
Security researchers have highlighted that the scam often targets an individual based on predisposed vulnerability. This makes personal data valuable to criminals and explains why telecom and banking data are prime targets for fraud rings.
How to detect a hack
Warnings from security researchers describe a clear signal: when a device loses service and cannot restore connectivity by toggling airplane mode, restarting, or adjusting settings, it may indicate a SIM swap. Experts emphasize that there may be no weak signal or coverage issues in the area; instead, the entire cellular connection might be disrupted, affecting calls, messages, and data access.
When a victim’s SIM is reissued, the original card becomes ineffective. Contacts stored on the device may remain, but those numbers can be flagged as invalid by the network operator. An alert from a telecom provider can also indicate that a SIM copy has occurred, especially if an SMS notice is sent before the loss of service is complete.
Some observers note that even before a SIM is disabled, banks or service providers may detect irregular activity. It is wise to monitor for unexpected messages or prompts related to account changes and to verify events with the service provider.
What can a scammer do
With control of the number, a fraudster can intercept SMS messages and use them to enroll in new services or recover access to social profiles and other online services tied to the victim’s number. In many cases, simply having a linked phone number is enough to block or take over accounts on social platforms. The larger risk goes beyond password resets, as access to email can enable broader compromise of online identities through two‑factor authentication and recovery options. If the attacker can reset the victim’s email or gain access to it, they may bypass additional security barriers and seize control of various services.
As accounts are linked to email, the possibility of bypassing multi‑factor checks grows when both phone and email can be compromised. This makes securing the email account a high priority, since it often serves as a gateway to social networks and other critical services.
How to prevent scammers from accessing all social networks and services
Experts advise contacting the mobile operator to block a newly reissued SIM tied to the victim’s number. This step can prevent further criminal actions and buy time to secure accounts.
Following that, reporting the incident to law enforcement and to banks where affected accounts and cards are stored is essential. There is a growing awareness that many users now try to access banking apps on mobile devices, but a seized SIM can complicate or block access. Checking for unusual transactions and contacting banks to freeze or monitor accounts can help limit damage.
When speaking with the operator, it’s helpful to note who, when, and why a second SIM card was removed from the account. This information can aid investigators in reconstructing the incident and pursuing accountability.
Visiting a local bank branch remains a strong precaution. Although it can be less convenient, it provides a tangible way to verify all linked services and reset credentials securely. After dealing with operators and banks, a thorough audit of other accounts is advised. Changing passwords for social networks and online services, and reviewing all profiles, reduces ongoing risk, even if some accounts appear untouched at first glance.
How to avoid such a hack
To minimize the risk, insiders suggest instituting a robust restriction on card recovery by proxy. A formal ban on this process can help ensure that no one can present documents to obtain a SIM card without in-person verification at a designated office.
Security researchers emphasize that the greatest danger comes from telecom staff and procedures. Strengthening controls and tightening the reissue process, such as limiting the offices where reissues can occur, can significantly reduce risk.
Industry reviews recommend changing current agreements so SIM card reissues require in-person presence and a verified location. In addition, many banks now impose added checks around SIM changes, with certain banks limiting usage of the number for transactions during a day. While this can feel restrictive, it is a meaningful security measure that reduces fraud, and many financial institutions have begun adopting these data-sharing and verification practices with telecom operators.
Overall, the emphasis is on verification, transparency, and proactive account protection to thwart SIM‑swap related threats.