FBI warns of criminals increasingly using 'SIM swap' scams, in which criminals obtain cellphone SIM cards from unknowing victims and steal their personal information, including their cell phone numbers and bank account details.
"SIM swaps," when someone transfers your phone number to a new device without authorization, can allow someone to access your personal accounts, including at your bank.of criminals increasingly using"SIM swap" scams in which criminals obtain cellphone SIM cards from unknowing victims and steal their personal information, including their cell phone numbers and bank account details.
These scams netted criminals $68 million in 2021 alone, the FBI said, and it received more than 1,611 complaints. From 2018 to 2020, the FBI reports, victims suffered $12 million in losses.Criminals are able to obtain an individual's SIM card through phishing tactics by pretending to be the victim's mobile carrier, according to the FBI.
"Once the SIM is swapped, the victim's calls, texts, and other data are diverted to the criminal's device," the FBI said."This access allows criminals to send 'Forgot Password' or 'Account Recovery' requests to the victim's email and other online accounts associated with the victim's mobile telephone number."
Alarmingly,"the criminal uses the codes to login and reset passwords, gaining control of online accounts associated with the victim's phone profile," the FBI said. The FBI urged the public to be aware of suspicious emails and not to advertise financial ownership in cryptocurrency or other financial assets.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
FBI says bank robberies in Shaker Heights, Cleveland might be connectedIn both robberies a note was handed to a teller in which the suspect claimed to be armed and demanded money.
Read more »
FBI says BlackByte ransomware group has breached critical US infrastructure | EngadgetRepresentatives from the San Francisco 49ers have confirmed the security breach..
Read more »
FBI offering $10,000 for ‘Route 91 bandit,’ sought in 11 bank robberiesThe FBI is offering a $10,000 reward in a hunt for the “Route 91 bandit,” who has robbed at least 11 banks across four New England states since September.
Read more »
Feds allege record $25 million in claims from jobless scam operated out of California prisonAn unemployment scam operated out of California prisons sought a record $25 million from the state and U.S. governments, netting more than $5 million that went for vehicles, furniture, handbags and…
Read more »
‘I don’t think that that number is sustainable’: local communities feel strain as Zion sets visitor recordThe National Park Service reports that over five million visitors came to Zion National Park in 2021.
Read more »
Paramount Goes All-In On Competing With Streaming Giants In RebrandParamount+ reached 32.8 million subscribers to end 2021 as company executives tell investors that they plan to bolster the nascent streaming service with theatrical films, spinoff series and remakes.
Read more »