Warning to holidaymakers with a mobile phone as thieves access bank accounts

A FAST-GROWING SIM SWAP SCAM THAT IS TAKING PLACE IN THE UK AND ABROAD MICHAEL D. CARROLL 09:32, 28 May 2025 While many are basking in the joy of the summer season, many criminals are seeing

it as the best time to target tourists who could be easily distracted. There's a particularly nasty ploy that fraudsters are employing with increasing frequency: swiping mobile phones

and then bamboozling network operators into transferring the number onto a new SIM card under their control. This tactic allows them access to intercept essential communications, including

those crucial one-time passcodes (OTPs) pivotal for two-factor authentication processes, thereby granting them alarming levels of entry to victims' financial resources ranging from bank

accounts to digital currency holdings. Ryan Sweetnam, Director of Crypto Fraud and Financial Litigation at CEL Solicitors, has raised a warning flag, stating: "SIM swap fraud is one of

the fastest-growing cyber threats we're seeing, particularly affecting people when they're more relaxed. This can be whilst you're walking around town, to the tube, bus or

just along the street, or even when you're on holiday, be it in the UK or abroad." He went on to stress: "Once a scammer has your phone they can potentially access your

banking and crypto accounts within minutes", reports the Express. In addition, Sweetnam points out that travellers on holiday often become the perfect prey, as many confess to

neglecting regular checks on their financial accounts while abroad. This fact, together with the pitfalls of unguarded public Wi-Fi and international data roaming, set the stage perfectly

for these sophisticated criminals, he noted. Article continues below Mr Sweetnam highlighted the insidious nature of the offence, saying: "The real danger is that people don't

always notice what's happened until it's too late. You might not see missing funds for hours or even days, giving criminals a huge head start. "Even those who have their

phones stolen out of their hands will quickly report the theft to law enforcement or their banks, but with the growing number of people with access to stocks, shares and cryptocurrencies on

their phones, this is often forgotten until it's too late." In response to the escalating menace, specialists at CEL Solicitors are advising the British public to adhere to a set

of vital security measures. - Beware of unsolicited requests for information: Never share personal data such as your date of birth, address or account details in response to texts, emails or

phone calls—even if they appear to be from your bank or mobile provider. - Ditch SMS authentication: Opt for app-based two-factor authentication instead. Unlike SMS, these apps don’t rely

on your phone number, making them far more secure. - Keep tabs on your accounts while abroad: Regularly check your banking and crypto platforms for any suspicious activity. Article continues

below - Strengthen your digital defences: Use robust, unique passwords and consider a password manager. Also, update your security questions to make them harder to guess. - Act fast if your

phone loses signal unexpectedly: This could be an early sign your number has been transferred without your knowledge. Contact your mobile provider and bank immediately.