26 May Can you elucidate on the SIM scam?

Q. Can you elucidate on the SIM scam?
— Concerned

A. Thanks for your question.

We’re guessing you’re asking after seeing the scary Bamboozled column about a man whose cell phone number was ported, or transferred, to a scammer. The scammer then was able to receive two-factor authentication for his accounts.

If a scammer gets a hold of your cell phone number, they can “begin receiving communications associated with your phone number, including those that may allow them to access your social media profiles, banking and other accounts. Bad actors may attempt this fraud on prepaid or post-paid wireless accounts,” said CTIA, a wireless technology industry association.

If a bad guy collects enough information about you, they may be able to steal your number. They’d need your name, your address, your email, the phone number and then they’d have to be able to figure out your PIN, which may not be too hard. Many people use birthdays, anniversaries and other numbers for their PIN, but a crook can often figure those out just by looking at your social media accounts.

Cell phone carriers also offer free locking services so your number can’t be ported so easily. Contact your carrier to see what you can do to protect yours.

Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com.

This story was originally published in May 2025.

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