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Fraud guide

SIM swap fraud

Top tips to stay safe

Sim swap fraud happens when criminals transfer your phone number to their SIM card. This gives them control of your phone number, so they can receive your calls and texts. Fraudsters can then use two-factor authentication (2FA) to change your passwords and access emails and accounts. Follow our top tips to stay safe.

  1. Protect your personal information: never share important info like your bank account details or passwords. Ignore unexpected requests for your details.
  2. Set up a PIN or password with your phone provider: ask your provider to set up a unique PIN or password on your account, needed to approve any account changes. 
  3. Use social media wisely: avoid sharing details such as your phone number, date of birth and answers to common security questions.
  4. Monitor your accounts: regularly check your bank accounts and credit reports for strange transactions or activities. Set up alerts for any significant changes to your accounts.
  5. Set up biometrics: visit My Security Profile in the help section of our Mobile App to add an extra level of security to your account.

How to spot SIM swapping

Contact your phone provider and bank if you spot any of these signs.

  • Sudden loss of service: if your phone suddenly loses service and you can't make or receive calls or texts, it could be a sign that a criminal moved your number to another SIM card.
  • Notifications of suspicious activity: if you receive log in or SIM activation notifications which wasn't you, it could be a sign that criminals are trying to move your number to a new SIM.
  • Loss of access to your accounts: if you can’t access your email, bank, or social media accounts, it could be a sign that a criminal has taken control of it.
  • Unauthorised transactions: if you spot payments on your account that you don't remember making, it could be a sign that a criminal has accessed your account.

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