Protect Yourself Against SIM Swap Fraud

Protect Yourself Against SIM Swap Fraud

We have seen several people effected by SIM Swap Fraud. Criminals use this technique to take control of your mobile phone number, allowing them to intercept calls, texts, and security codes used for banking and online accounts.

How Does It Work?

Fraudsters gather personal details through phishing emails, social media, or data breaches. They then impersonate you and convince your mobile provider to transfer your number to a SIM card they control. Once successful, they can access one-time passwords and hijack your accounts.

Warning Signs

You suddenly lose the ability to make calls or send texts.

Your provider notifies you of SIM activation on another device.

You lose access to online banking or social media accounts.

Friends receive suspicious money requests from you.

What To Do Immediately

Call your mobile provider if you lose service unexpectedly or receive a SIM swap alert.

Contact your bank to block any unauthorized transactions.

How To Protect Yourself

Ask your network provider about extra security measures.

Avoid sharing personal details online.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all accounts.

Use strong, unique passwords (e.g., three random words with added numbers/symbols).

Keep your device software up to date.

If you have been a victim of crime, and it is not an ongoing emergency, you can report this to Police Scotland on 101 or via ‘Contact Us’ on the Police Scotland website.

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7. If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101. In an emergency, call 999.

Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City. The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function. Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community. These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues. They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.

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Message Sent By
Mark Irvine
(Police Scotland, Constable, A Div - Grampian)