SIM swap

A SIM swap is when a criminal convinces or bribes a mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to a SIM card they control. Once it works, your phone loses service and the attacker receives your calls and text messages, including SMS login codes and password reset texts. Attackers often gather personal details from breaches and social media first to pass the carrier's identity checks. To protect yourself, set a PIN or port-out lock on your mobile account, limit personal details shared online, and use an authenticator app, security key or passkey instead of SMS for important accounts. If your phone suddenly shows no service, contact your carrier quickly.