Urgent warning over sophisticated SIM swap fraud
The Guardia Civil has issued a warning over a new scam through which cybercriminals are impersonating users and accessing their bank accounts by hijacking their mobile phone connection. This new method is causing concern among residents of Tenerife and citizens across the country, as it uses advanced techniques to obtain victims’ personal information.
How the SIM swap scam operates
This type of fraud highlights how cybercriminals are adapting to new technologies, with the methods used to harvest victims’ data becoming increasingly difficult to detect. The scam begins with fraudulent phone calls or SMS messages where the criminals pose as official entities. Using these communication methods, they deceive their victims into handing over bank and personal details.
Once they have obtained the necessary information, they request a duplicate SIM card for the victim’s phone number. As soon as they receive the duplicate, the victim’s original phone suddenly loses all connection, and the cybercriminals seize total control of the line. This allows them to receive verification codes sent by banks and make unauthorised payments from the victim’s account.
Essential steps to protect yourself
To avoid falling victim to this scam, the Guardia Civil recommends that Tinerfeños and all citizens activate two-factor authentication for their bank accounts. This extra layer of security verifies any login attempt using a method other than SMS, such as a fingerprint or digital signature.
Security agents also advise following these guidelines:
- Always be wary of calls or messages from unknown numbers.
- Never open suspicious links.
- Check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, as these are common in scam messages.
- Never provide personal information, such as passwords or bank details.
What to do if you are targeted
If it is already too late and you have become a victim of this fraud, it is essential to act quickly. Review your bank transactions immediately and contact your bank without delay to report the situation and block access to the account.
If you have been targeted and wish to prevent others from falling into the same trap, contact the authorities so they can investigate the case and alert the wider public. This helps society understand the methods used by cybercriminals and take steps to protect themselves.
No post found!