Stonehaven Resident Victim of SIM Swap Fraud

Stonehaven Resident Victim of SIM Swap Fraud

A Stonehaven resident has become the latest victim in the North East of a fraud known as SIM swapping.

The victim first became aware of the scam when she received a text message advising her of a change to her Google password. A second message was received from her phone provider stating that her mobile number had been transferred over to another SIM. The victim immediately contacted her bank and was advised by staff that they had blocked a payment for £179. Scammers had purchased items from x box services on her Amazon account and had attempted to remove money.

Scammers start by collecting personal information about you from social media, previous data breaches or phishing messages and phone calls.

Next, they contact your mobile network provider posing as you - over the phone, online or in-store - to convince it to switch your number to a new Sim card that they possess, using the personal information they gathered to pass any security checks.

They may stay with the same network, pretending the old Sim is missing or damaged, or ask to switch to a new network by requesting the Porting Authorisation Code (PAC).

Once your number is linked to their own Sim, a scammer will attempt to get into your banking, email and social media accounts, knowing that login often requires one-time passwords or passcodes (OTPs) sent by text.

5 steps to prevent Sim-swap fraud

Secure your mobile account. Ask your network provider about any additional security, for example, you may be able to set up a unique Pin or password which must be provided to approve any account changes in-store or over the phone.

Turn on MFA. Most email, social media and online bank accounts can be secured with multi or two-factor authentication.

Clean up your online profile. Restrict who can see your social media profiles and avoid sharing details such as your date of birth and phone number, or answers to common security questions such as the name of your first pet or school.

Recognise the signs and act. Call your network immediately if you receive an unexpected message about your SIM being ported or you unexpectedly lose phone service.

Tell your banks. Advise any financial organisations immediately so they can freeze your accounts. Keep a close eye on your bank statements, email and social media accounts for unusual activity. Change your passwords and disable SMS as an authentication method, where possible.

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
Michael Urquhart
(Police Scotland, PC, A Div - North East Crime Reduction Team)