A phone entering SOS mode typically indicates poor reception or a service provider outage, but it can also signal something more concerning, such as identity theft through phone porting. This fraudulent practice allows cybercriminals to take control of your mobile number, potentially breaching your bank accounts and other online profiles to steal significant amounts of money.
Phone porting is a legitimate process that lets users switch carriers while retaining their phone numbers. However, scammers exploit this by tricking a different provider into transferring your number to a phone they control. This can occur through unauthorized porting or SIM swapping, where a fraudster activates a new SIM card linked to your number.
Mobile numbers are often used for two-factor authentication for banking and social media accounts. If scammers gain access to your phone number, they can receive verification codes, allowing them to log into your accounts and transfer funds at will.
One telltale sign of a phone porting hack is your phone losing service and displaying the SOS mode message. Additionally, unsolicited texts from your telco about port requests or unexpected notifications about new accounts or logins may indicate you’ve been targeted. If you experience these warning signs, it’s essential to contact your service provider and bank immediately to mitigate potential damage.
To protect against unauthorised mobile porting, be mindful that porting is designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal personal information, such as your name and birth date. Scammers can obtain this information through phishing attacks or even from social media. Therefore, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and avoid sharing sensitive details online.
Considering alternative methods for two-factor authentication, like using authenticator apps, can enhance your account security. Additionally, having a banking app with multi-factor authentication may provide an added layer of protection. Many banking apps allow users to temporarily freeze accounts and cards, which can be valuable if you suspect your number has been compromised.
Staying aware and taking proactive measures are critical steps in safeguarding yourself from phone porting fraud.