Can someone hack my phone with a SIM swap?
Yes. SIM swapping moves your number to a scammer's SIM, letting them intercept your calls, texts, and authentication codes.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
In a SIM-swap attack, a fraudster contacts your mobile carrier — usually with personal information gathered from data breaches or social media — and convinces them to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card. Once they control your number, they can receive SMS verification codes and use them to reset passwords on your email, banking, and other accounts.
Signs of a SIM swap include your phone suddenly losing all signal, being unable to make calls, or receiving unexpected messages about account changes. If this happens, contact your carrier immediately. Using an authentication app rather than SMS for two-factor authentication significantly reduces your exposure.
Common red flags
- Your phone suddenly loses signal for no apparent reason
- You stop receiving calls or texts unexpectedly
- You receive alerts about account changes you didn't make
- You can't log into accounts that were working previously
- Your mobile carrier sends a confirmation of changes you didn't request
What to do now
- Contact your mobile carrier immediately and report unauthorised SIM activity
- Change passwords for email, banking, and key accounts from a different device
- Switch two-factor authentication from SMS to an authenticator app where possible
- Alert your bank that your number may be compromised
- Report to your national fraud service and keep records
Frequently asked questions
How do scammers get enough personal information to convince my carrier?
Personal details — date of birth, address, partial account numbers — are often available from data breaches, social media, or phishing attacks. Carriers are also sometimes targeted with social engineering.
Does a SIM swap affect my physical SIM or eSIM?
Both physical SIMs and eSIMs can be targeted, because the attack exploits the carrier's account management process rather than the physical card itself.