Ukrainians are being warned about the activation of a new fraudulent scheme related to mobile communication. Scammers are mass-sending messages to users about the supposed expiration of their SIM cards, disguising themselves as official accounts of mobile operators in messaging apps.
This is reported by Finway
How Scammers Operate
Fraudsters create fake accounts in the Telegram messenger that externally imitate the official pages of mobile operators. They send users warnings about the “expiration of their number” and urge them to urgently replace their SIM card. Such messages contain suspicious links or invitations to use a chatbot.
In reality, the goal of these actions is to gain access to subscribers’ personal data and seize their funds. Clicking on fraudulent links or interacting with fake chatbots can lead to losing control over the phone number, and consequently, access to financial information, bank accounts, and other services linked to the number.
“As a result, the scammers gain access to financial information, including bank accounts and services linked to the number.”
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud
Legal aid specialists advise following a few simple rules to protect against such schemes:
- Do not click on links from messages about the expiration of your SIM card.
- Verify any information only through the official channels of your mobile operator: website, app, or hotline.
- Do not trust messages in messengers – mobile operators do not send notifications about SIM card replacements via Telegram.
- Beware of fake chatbots and only use those available on the official resources of the operators.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting your financial phone number – this is where confirmation codes for transactions, bank passwords, and balance information are sent. To reduce risks, specialists recommend linking your financial number to your passport data or switching to a contract service with your mobile operator.