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SIM Swapping - What is it and how to protect yourself

SIM swapping is the process of obtaining control of a mobile telephone number belonging to another, usually for the purposes of conducting further criminal acts such as theft, fraud or Computer Misuse Act offences.

How to recognise SIM Swapping

  • Sudden loss of mobile signal and the inability to make or receive calls.

  • Notification from your mobile provider that your SIM card or phone number has been activated or migrated without prior knowledge or agreement

  • Inability to access online accounts. This could include bank and credit card accounts, email and social media.

  • Unrecognised bank or cryptocurrency transactions

  • Unexpected / unrecognised social media posts.

The document below gives further guidance regarding the offence and how to protect yourself.

Original Message Sent By: Michael Urquhart (Police Scotland, PC, A Div - North East Crime Reduction Team).


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