Top 3 US Carriers Add SIM-Swap Locks as Fraudsters Target 2FA Codes
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Aug 7
Top 3 US Carriers Add SIM-Swap Locks as Fraudsters Target 2FA Codes
2 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Aug 7
Summary
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all now offer account-level settings users can switch on to block unauthorized SIM transfers and number porting tied to SIM-swapping fraud.
SIM swapping lets criminals move a victim’s phone number to their own device, intercepting calls and texts—including two-factor authentication codes—to seize mobile and other linked accounts.
Verizon offers two controls—SIM Protection and Number Lock—while T-Mobile provides SIM Protection and AT&T uses Wireless Account Lock through its mobile app.
The protections respond to a rise in attacks carried out either by scammers impersonating customers to carriers or by bribing carrier employees to execute the swap.