What is fraudulent Port out / Sims Swap Fraud?

Fraudulent Port outs or Sims swap scams is when a fraudster is able to convince a mobile network operator to issue them with a replacement Sim card, by claiming to be the victim and pretending that their mobile phone has been either lost or stolen.

Where does the fraudster get my information?

Fraudsters are able to do this, by attaining the victim’s personal details that have been stolen using a number of different platforms such as:

• Malware
• Cyber-attacks
• Social Media
• Credit Files

How do I know if I am a victim of this fraud?

• If you’ve become a victim to this fraud, you will receive a text from your network provider stating your number is ready to be ported and usually the next day your mobile will suddenly have no network coverage.

What do I do if this happens?

• When you receive the text messaging stating your phone is ready to be ported you should follow the following step:
• Call your network provider immediately, advise them you did not request a port out.
• They will then try to cancel the port out or advise the other network that this is fraudulent and for it not to go ahead
• You should advise your bank/ financial services that this has happened
• You should change your passwords for all financial services
• You should change your passwords on all other apps- such as emails etc.

How can I protect myself from this scam?

• Ensure you have password/pin on your mobile account
• When asked for your three security questions for authentication purposes ensure that the answers are random, so a fraudster can’t retain this information easily from social media.
• You don’t have to give the correct answer- you can answer something obscure, such as: what was your first school? You can answer Coffee.
• Try not to over share personal information on social media platforms. i.e. avoid putting your children, first school or pet names etc.
• Do not respond to any unsolicited emails, calls or text, this might allow fraudsters to access your personal data which may help them convince a bank that they are you.
• Consider using an app such as Google Authenticator for one-time passcodes.