SIM Swap
Share post
In Brief
A SIM swap is an attack where a criminal takes over your phone number by tricking your mobile carrier, then uses it to intercept SMS codes and reset passwords — often to break into exchange accounts and email.
What Is a SIM Swap?
A SIM swap (or SIM hijacking) is an identity-theft attack on your phone number. The attacker convinces your mobile carrier — through social engineering, bribery, or leaked personal data — to transfer your number to a SIM card they control. From that moment, your calls and SMS messages go to the attacker.
Because so many services use SMS codes for two-factor authentication and password resets, a hijacked number becomes a master key: email, exchange accounts, and banking apps can fall in quick succession.
Why SIM Swaps Matter in Crypto
Exchange and custodial accounts secured by SMS 2FA are prime targets — the attacker resets your password, approves the login with your stolen number, and withdraws funds. Notably, a SIM swap cannot touch a self-custody wallet by itself: private keys live on your device, not behind your phone number.
How to Protect Yourself
Remove SMS 2FA from important accounts — use an authenticator app or hardware security key instead.
Set a carrier PIN/port-freeze with your mobile provider.
Don't advertise your holdings — attackers pick targets from social media.
Treat sudden loss of signal as an emergency: contact your carrier and secure key accounts immediately.
SIM Swaps and Trust Wallet
Trust Wallet requires no phone number, no account, and no SMS codes — your secret phrase and device secure your assets. Keep that phrase offline and a SIM swap has nothing to steal.