Scam library · Phone calls · Banking & payment apps · Texts
SIM swap and port-out scam
Your phone suddenly loses service, or you get a text from your carrier about a SIM change or number transfer you didn't request.
A scammer has convinced your carrier to move your number to their device. Now your text and call codes go to them.
What the message looks like
From: Message from your carrier
Your SIM card has been changed. If you did not request this, please call us.
[Your phone then shows 'No Service' or 'SOS only']
How this scam works
Scammers gather your personal details from data breaches, phishing or social media. Then they call or visit the carrier pretending to be you, or bribe insiders.
With your number, they reset passwords for your email, bank, crypto exchange and social accounts by receiving the one-time codes.
Port-out fraud moves your number to a different carrier entirely.
Carriers now offer extra protection, like account PINs and number lock features, but you usually have to turn them on yourself. A few minutes in your carrier's app or website can make your number much harder to steal. For important accounts, an authenticator app is a better second factor than texts.
Warning signs often show up before the swap: phishing texts that pretend to be your carrier, calls asking you to 'confirm' your account PIN, or alerts about a data breach that exposed your details. Treat any request for your carrier PIN as a red flag. Your carrier won't call and ask for it.
If it happens, speed matters. The sooner you get your number back and change passwords, the less time scammers have to drain accounts.
Red flags
- Sudden 'No Service' when others around you have signal.
- Texts or emails about a SIM change or port request you didn't make.
- Unexpected password reset emails.
- Being locked out of accounts.
- Calls asking for your carrier PIN or a code.
How to tell it’s fake
- Call your carrier from another phone right away.
- Set up a carrier account PIN and number lock or port-out protection.
- Use an authenticator app instead of text codes where possible.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Contact your carrier immediately from another phone to regain your number.
If you paid
- Call your bank and any financial accounts to freeze them and report fraud.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- Change email and banking passwords from a safe device. Report to ic3.gov and IdentityTheft.gov.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard runs in Chrome and Edge on your computer. It can't protect your SIM at the carrier, but it warns about the phishing emails and fake carrier pages that often come before a SIM swap. If a message about your phone account seems legit, get a scam expert's opinion.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- How do I protect my number?
- Set a carrier PIN and turn on number lock or port-out protection.
- What should I do if my phone loses service suddenly?
- Call your carrier from another phone right away.
- Are text codes safe?
- They're better than nothing, but authenticator apps or passkeys are safer.
- Should I report it?
- Yes, to your carrier, the FBI at ic3.gov and IdentityTheft.gov.