Like scammers Tolele phone numbersbypass Two -factor authentication And they withdraw money from your cards.
One call – and your account is empty
In March 2025, the man woke up and found that $ 47,000 disappeared from his accounts. The reason was not theft of a password, but a scam Sim swap – When scammers “intercept” the phone number.
How the scheme works
At first, criminals collect Personal data Victims – through Fishingbasement leaks or social networks. Then they call the mobile communications company, introducing themselves as the owner of the room. Using the collected data, they convince the operator to “transfer” the number to the new SIM card.
After activating the new SIM, the victim card is disconnected. All Calls, SMS and 2FA codes They begin to act a fraudster. With this access, he changes passwords, enters Bank accounts And withdraws money.
Risks for users
The threat is not only Bank accountsbut also email, social networks and any service where SMS authentication. In fact, the stolen number turns into a universal key for your entire digital life.
What experts advise
- Turn on Protection of the transfer of the number (Number Lock) at a mobile operator.
- Use Applications 2FA (Google Authenticator, Authy) instead of SMS codes.
- Limit publication personal data On the Internet.
Mandatory PIN codes for transferring a number or personal presence in the operator’s office are already introduced in a number of countries. But so far there are no such measures everywhere, users remain the most vulnerable part of the system.
Conclusion
Sim swap is an example of how One vulnerability can reset all your efforts in cyber protection. And while mobile operators do not begin to relate to this seriously, Hackers will winand citizens – pay.
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