All incidents
I think I've been SIM-swapped
Your phone suddenly has no signal, you stop receiving calls or texts, or you're locked out of accounts that use SMS codes. A SIM swap happens when someone convinces your mobile provider to move your number to a SIM card they control, so they can intercept your one-time codes.
Do this now
- Contact your mobile provider immediately through another phone to check whether your number was ported or swapped.
- If confirmed, ask them to reverse it and secure your account with an additional PIN or password.
- Log into your banking app and check for unfamiliar transactions or changes.
Then do this
- Change passwords on accounts linked to your phone number, starting with banking and email.
- Switch from SMS codes to an authenticator app or passkey where possible.
- Ask your bank to flag your account for review if you suspect fraud.
Check these things
- Do you have signal, or does your phone say 'no service' with no explanation?
- Have you received an SMS about a SIM swap or number port you didn't request?
- Are there unfamiliar transactions on your bank account?
Don't do this
- Don't wait to see if signal comes back on its own before contacting your provider.
- Don't assume your bank account is safe just because you haven't checked it yet.
When should I get help?
- Contact your mobile provider's fraud or security line right away.
- Contact your bank if any linked account may have been accessed.
- Consider reporting to the South African Police Service if money was stolen.