What is SIM swapping?

SIM swapping (also called SIM hijacking or SIM swap fraud) is when a criminal convinces your mobile provider to transfer your phone number to a SIM card they control. Once they have your number, they can:

• Receive your calls and text messages.
• Intercept one-time passcodes (OTPs) for banking, email, or social media logins.
• Reset your account passwords.
• Lock you out of your own digital identity.  

Because your phone number is often the “master key” to your online life, SIM swapping is one of the most dangerous forms of telecom fraud. Many Canadian banks, email providers, and social media platforms still rely on SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA). If a criminal controls your SIM card, they receive the verification code instead of you, giving them instant access to your accounts.