Fraudsters began stealing phone numbers of Russians to gain access to online banking and withdraw money. This information was published in the newspaper “News”Reported to FAS.С.T. — Russian developer of technologies to combat cybercrime.
According to the company, the process of “stealing” a number is carried out by replacing or restoring the eSIM, which is a built-in digital card in modern smartphones that performs the functions of a regular SIM card.
According to FAC.CT, to capture a number using eSIM profiles, fraudsters need a smartphone that supports an eSIM profile, as well as a compromised account in the victim’s personal account with the telecom operator and/or a popular government service.
Since the beginning of autumn 2023, analysts have recorded more than a hundred attempts to break into customers’ personal accounts in the online services of a financial institution. This scheme, which appeared abroad more than a year ago, is already actively used by criminals.
Cybersecurity experts believe that such initiatives will increase in Russia. With the advent of digital card technology supported by a growing number of smartphones, including low-cost devices with low security levels, subscribers need to actively protect their mobile phone numbers.
FAC.CT also said that there are several ways to steal a person’s number, but people whose data has been compromised are always at risk. Criminals obtain information about usernames and passwords and then contact the person to trick them into receiving the two-factor authentication code.
A new method of eSIM fraud involves transferring the phone from the victim’s SIM card to their own device via eSIM. To do this, attackers create a request via the operator’s website or app to transfer a number from the physical card to the eSIM.
If this process is completed, the attacker gains control of the victim’s number, causing the person to lose access to their SIM card. In this case, if such an incident occurs, it is recommended to immediately contact the operator and block the card.
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