
This is called a “port-out scam” or “SIM swapping attack.” For an individual scammer, tricking a customer service person is easier than hacking SS7, after all. With that, they can get access to accounts protected by SMS-based two-factor authentication.

Now the attacker would have your phone number. Or, they may have the carrier issue a new SIM card tied to your phone number and deactivate your existing SIM card, removing access to your phone number. They may have the carrier “port out” your phone number to a different cellular carrier-just as you’d do if you were switching to another cellular provider. If the scammer has enough details and can trick your carrier’s customer service representatives, they can get control over your phone number. A scammer can call your cellular carrier or go into a store and impersonate you. Telegram: Which Is the Best Chat App? Your Phone Number Is Surprisingly Easy to Hijackīeyond SMS, phone numbers actually have very poor security-at the carrier level. For example, Telegram and Signal are banned in Iran. Other countries’ intelligence services also have access to stingrays and SMS-monitoring technology, so it’s clear why encrypted communication apps like Signal and Telegram are especially popular among activists living under repressive regimes.
