Imagine checking your phone and suddenly realising that you have no mobile network connection. You cannot make calls, send messages or receive banking notifications. While many people may assume it is a temporary network problem, it could be a warning sign that criminals have taken control of their cellphone number through a SIM-swap scam.
SIM-swap fraud is a type of financial crime in which criminals convince a mobile network provider to transfer a victim’s existing cellphone number to a new SIM card in their possession. Once the transfer is completed, the victim’s original SIM card stops working, while the criminal begins receiving calls and SMS messages intended for the legitimate owner.
This is particularly dangerous because many South Africans use their cellphone numbers to receive banking notifications, verification codes and one-time passwords (OTPs). Criminals can use these messages as part of an attempt to access banking accounts and carry out unauthorised transactions.
SIM-swap fraud remains a concern because criminals can use stolen personal information and compromised banking credentials to gain control of victims’ accounts.
Criminals may obtain the information they need through phishing emails, fraudulent SMS messages, telephone calls or social engineering. For example, someone may receive a call from a person pretending to represent their bank or mobile network provider. The caller may claim that there is suspicious activity on the account and ask the victim to confirm personal details. This information can then be used to impersonate the customer when requesting a SIM replacement.
According to Vodacom’s fraud awareness guidance, criminals may use a fraudulent or stolen identity document to request a SIM swap. Once the number has been transferred, they can receive banking OTPs and other confidential notifications sent through SMS. However, gaining control of a cellphone number does not automatically give criminals access to a bank account. They may also need banking login details or other security information to complete fraudulent transactions.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned consumers about phishing, vishing and smishing scams, which criminals use to obtain personal and financial information. It also advises people to be alert when they unexpectedly lose mobile connectivity, as this could indicate that they have become victims of a SIM-swap scam.
One of the most important warning signs is suddenly losing network connectivity in an area where you normally have reception. Other signs include receiving unexpected SIM-swap or number-porting notifications, missing banking SMS messages or receiving OTPs for transactions you did not initiate.
If this happens, do not simply wait for the network to return. Contact your mobile network provider immediately using its official customer service channels to establish whether a SIM swap or number transfer has taken place. Also contact your bank’s fraud department to report the suspected incident and request that your banking access be secured.
Consumers can reduce their risk by protecting their personal information and avoiding sharing identity numbers, banking passwords, PINs and OTPs with anyone. Be cautious of unexpected calls or messages claiming that your account needs urgent attention. Rather than responding to links or telephone numbers provided in suspicious messages, contact your bank or network provider directly using verified contact details.
It is also important to check bank statements regularly, activate available transaction notifications and use additional security features offered by your bank. Never switch off your phone simply because someone claiming to be from your bank or network provider instructs you to do so.
With increased shopping, online payments and financial activity during December, criminals may take advantage of consumers who are distracted by festive preparations. Protecting your cellphone number should therefore form part of protecting your money.
Remember, losing mobile signal is not always a sign of fraud, but an unexplained loss of connectivity should never be ignored. If your phone suddenly goes silent, check your SIM card before criminals get the opportunity to access your savings.
