How to Protect Yourself from SIM Swapping Attacks (2026)

What is SIM Swapping?

SIM swapping is when criminals convince your phone carrier to transfer your number to their SIM card. They then receive your calls, texts, and crucially - your 2FA codes.

How SIM Swap Attacks Work

Step 1: Information Gathering

Criminals collect your info from:

• Data brokers and people-search sites
• Social media profiles
• Data breaches
• Phishing attacks

Step 2: Carrier Contact

They contact your carrier pretending to be you:

• Use gathered personal info
• Claim phone is lost/stolen
• Request SIM transfer

Step 3: Number Takeover

Once successful:

• Your phone loses service
• They receive your calls/texts
• They get your 2FA codes

Step 4: Account Compromise

They quickly:

• Reset passwords via SMS
• Access financial accounts
• Steal cryptocurrency
• Take over social media

Warning Signs

• Sudden loss of cell service
• Unable to make calls/texts
• Notification of SIM change you didn't request
• Password reset emails you didn't initiate

Protection Measures

Carrier Security

Add a PIN/Passcode

• Call your carrier to add a transfer PIN
• Required for any SIM changes
• Different from voicemail PIN

Port Freeze

• Some carriers offer port freeze
• Prevents number transfers
• Requires extra verification to remove

Account Alerts

• Enable SIM change notifications
• Account modification alerts
• Login notifications

Authentication Security

Move Away from SMS 2FA

Use instead:

• Authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy)
• Hardware keys (YubiKey)
• Push notifications

Email Security

• Your email is your master key
• Use strongest protection on email
• Never use SMS 2FA for email

Reduce Data Exposure

Less exposed data = harder to impersonate you:

• Remove from data brokers
• Minimize social media sharing
• Protect date of birth, address, SSN

What to Do If SIM Swapped

• Contact carrier immediately - Report the swap
• Regain your number - May require ID verification
• Change all passwords - Assume accounts compromised
• Check financial accounts - Look for fraud
• Enable non-SMS 2FA - Prevent future attacks
• File reports - FTC, local police

GhostMyData Reduces SIM Swap Risk

We remove the data criminals need:

• Personal info from data brokers
• Address and phone details
• Information enabling impersonation

Protect yourself from SIM swapping with data removal.