Crime SIM swap scams

The process goes something like this: First the scammer sends a text to the person's phone, leading them to a fake phishing website that steals their personal information. That information is then used for a fake ID to claim that the person has lost their phone, allowing a new SIM card to be issued and the contract to be canceled with a switch to a new carrier. The illicitly obtained SIM card is then inserted into a smartphone held by the criminal group. With the cell phone number taken over, the victim's mobile connection is cut off. After that, the scammer logs in to the victim's internet banking account. It is apparently possible for the person's online banking password and other information to be exposed via the phishing site. [...] There are also measures to prevent illicit money transfers. Some banks offer a service whereby a one-time password is sent to a dedicated app or device rather than via a phone text message. Ushiro points out, "This is more inconvenient than a text message, but the result is higher security." Mobile phone companies are also called on to prevent impersonation of customers at stores. Tanigawa commented, "Before a new SIM card is issued, the victim will still be able to receive calls. They should call the person's smartphone once before going ahead with the procedures and confirm that it is the person in question."

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