Explainer · SIM swap
Glossary
SIM swap
Hijacking a phone number by moving it to a new SIM.
Definition
A SIM swap is when a criminal gets a mobile carrier to move a victim's phone number to a SIM or eSIM they control, by social engineering, bribery or stolen credentials. The criminal then receives the victim's calls and texts, including one-time passcodes.
Related terms
- Account takeover (ATO)Criminal control of a legitimate account.
- Number verificationCarrier check that a device holds a given number.