Scammers can hijack your phone to snoop around your calls, texts, data

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers can call your cellphone provider, pretend to be you and say your phone has been lost or ruined.

The scammers will then ask the company to activate a new SIM card for you on a new phone -- their phone.

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If your company falls for it, the scammers can use their phone to access all your calls, texts, and data, potentially interfering with your bank accounts, sending fake emails, and more.

Here’s what you should do to protect yourself:

• Don't click links you don't recognize
• Use a PIN or password for your cell service
• Choose Multi-Factor Authentication or (MFA)

MFA is where you have extra layers of security. For example, a company will text you a code to make sure it's you when you log in to their service.

Just remember, in this SIM card scam, the thieves will have your texts. So, you'll need another kind of MFA. You can use authentication apps or security keys (which look like thumb drives).

Both take some work to set up, but it may be worth it.

If you fall victim, tell your provider right away and check your bank accounts for any suspicious activity. You should also freeze your credit if you haven't already.

Cox Media Group