Old SIM cards have become weapons in the hands of cybercriminals

Once scammers gain access to the phone number, “life” becomes easier for them, because they receive a confirmation SMS for logging in and there is no need to use phishing or other schemes. They can get a SIM card with a number that was previously used on suspicious sites or after independently verifying its registration on frequently used resources.

According to experts from the FACCT publication, the victims of this method of “hijacking” were previously owners of “grey” SIM cards who bought them without registering. Now, those who may suffer are those who changed their number or lost access to it if they did not have time to unlink it from online services.

To protect yourself from SIM card fraud, experts recommend following security rules. One of the main ones is the use of two-factor authentication.

You can also get a separate SIM card for registering in online stores, for feedback forms and similar situations. It is best to use the main number only for registering in major messengers, online banks and government services. Through the State Services, it is recommended to file a ban on real estate transactions without the personal participation of the owner. The password created on it will protect you from creating a duplicate SIM card. The device will require it every time the device is rebooted.

If your SIM card is already being used by strangers, call or write to the support service of those services that scammers now have access to. You should quickly change your passwords and unlink them from the old number. And of course, if your accounts have been compromised, you can contact the authorities.

At the end of July, the State Duma adopted a law limiting the number of SIM cards per person and clarified the organization of the work of social networks. Russian citizens will no longer be able to own more than 20 subscriber numbers.