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I Think I Was SIM Swapped — What Should I Do?

Your phone suddenly has no signal, you stop receiving calls or texts, or you're locked out of accounts that use SMS codes. A SIM swap happens when someone convinces your mobile provider to move your number to a SIM card they control, so they can intercept your one-time codes.

What to do now

If your phone suddenly loses mobile service without an obvious reason and you suspect a SIM swap, contact your mobile provider immediately and secure important accounts using trusted recovery methods.

Do this now

Contact your mobile provider immediately through another phone to check whether your number was ported or swapped.
If confirmed, ask them to reverse it and secure your account with an additional PIN or password.
Log into your banking app and check for unfamiliar transactions or changes.

Then do this

Change passwords on accounts linked to your phone number, starting with banking and email.
Switch from SMS codes to an authenticator app or passkey where possible.
Ask your bank to flag your account for review if you suspect fraud.

Check these things

Do you have signal, or does your phone say 'no service' with no explanation?
Have you received an SMS about a SIM swap or number port you didn't request?
Are there unfamiliar transactions on your bank account?

Don't do this

Don't wait to see if signal comes back on its own before contacting your provider.
Don't assume your bank account is safe just because you haven't checked it yet.

When should I get help?

Contact your mobile provider's fraud or security line right away.
Contact your bank if any linked account may have been accessed.
Consider reporting to the South African Police Service if money was stolen.

Related help

Your situation may involve more than one issue. These related guides can help you work through the next step.

I Entered My Banking Details on a Scam Site — What Now?If you entered banking or card details into a suspicious site, contact your bank immediately through its official app, website, or trusted contact number. Do not use details from the suspicious message.I Think Someone Has Access to My Account — What Do I Do?If you see activity you don't recognise, secure the affected account directly, change the password, enable MFA, review recent activity and linked devices, and contact the provider if necessary.Someone Has My Personal Information — What Should I Do?If your personal information has been exposed, work out exactly what information was shared, secure affected accounts, watch for suspicious activity and avoid giving the same information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.

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