SIM-Swap Fraud Targeting Verizon Customers
Fraudsters impersonate Verizon customers to port their mobile number to a new SIM, intercepting two-factor authentication codes to seize financial and email accounts.
Part of: SIM Swap Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Verizon's network carries a significant share of US mobile traffic, and the sheer size of its subscriber base makes its customers frequent targets for SIM-swap attacks. The criminal's goal is straightforward: if they can redirect your Verizon number, every SMS-based security code for your bank, brokerage, and email flows to their device instead of yours.
The attack typically begins with an open-source intelligence phase, where the attacker assembles your personal details from data breaches, LinkedIn profiles, social media, and public records. Equipped with your account number, billing address, and a believable story — such as claiming a phone was lost or stolen — they contact Verizon customer service to request a SIM swap.
Verizon has added Number Lock, a free opt-in service that prevents any SIM or number transfer until the customer logs into their My Verizon account and removes the lock. Despite this safeguard, social engineering against store staff or call-centre agents remains a persistent threat, particularly when attackers combine their research with convincing pretext scenarios.
How this scam works on the Verizon brand
Verizon's legitimate SIM-swap process requires the account holder's My Verizon password and PIN, or in-store photo identification. Attackers defeat these controls by calling during busy retail periods, presenting fake IDs, or by first phishing the victim's My Verizon credentials so they can initiate the swap online without any human interaction.
Once the number is ported, the attacker races through password resets. They know their window of control is narrow — typically minutes to an hour before the legitimate customer notices the outage and calls Verizon. Cryptocurrency wallets and brokerage accounts are primary targets because transfers are harder to reverse than traditional banking transactions.
Some scammers precede the SIM swap with a targeted phishing text that appears to come from Verizon, asking the customer to confirm their My Verizon PIN for an account security check. This hands the attacker the PIN they need to authorise the swap online, bypassing any agent entirely.
Common red flags
- Your Verizon phone shows No Service or emergency calls only without any tower-outage reason
- My Verizon sends an email confirming a device change, line transfer, or SIM replacement you never requested
- You stop receiving texts, including expected two-factor codes from your bank or email provider
- An unexpected My Verizon login alert arrives on your backup email from an unfamiliar location
- A Verizon store employee contacts you to confirm a pending SIM request that you never initiated
- You receive a text asking you to confirm your PIN for a My Verizon security check you did not trigger
How to protect yourself
- Enable Verizon Number Lock through My Verizon — this prevents any SIM or port transfer unless you personally log in and disable it first
- Set a strong My Verizon account PIN that is not derived from personal information easily found online or in public records
- Replace SMS-based two-factor authentication on financial accounts with an authenticator app or hardware security key
- Regularly review account activity in My Verizon for unrecognised logins or device changes
- Consider a credit freeze at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to limit damage if identity theft accompanies a SIM swap
- If your service drops unexpectedly, call Verizon at 1-800-922-0204 from a landline or another device immediately
How to report it
- Call Verizon fraud at 1-800-922-0204 and request an emergency SIM lock and number restoration
- File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov
- Notify your bank and brokerage accounts of the potential compromise immediately
- File an identity theft report at identitytheft.gov to receive a personalised recovery checklist
- Report to your state consumer protection office or Attorney General
Frequently asked questions
What is Verizon Number Lock and how do I turn it on?
Number Lock is a free Verizon feature that blocks any SIM swap or port-out until you personally log in to My Verizon and unlock it. Enable it in the Account section of the My Verizon app or website.
How quickly can an attacker exploit a SIM swap?
Very quickly. Within minutes of gaining control of your number, an attacker can request password resets for email and banking, intercept the SMS codes, and change account access. Speed of your response is critical.
My number was ported without my consent. Can I get it back?
Yes. Contact Verizon immediately — they can reverse an unauthorised port. You may also need to contact the receiving carrier if the number was ported to another network.