Kent Police is urging members of the public to take steps to protect themselves from SIM-swapping fraud, following the arrest of two people believed to be involved in a nationwide scam. The suspects, based in Folkestone, allegedly used SIM-swapping techniques to hijack mobile phone numbers.
By impersonating victims and requesting e-SIM replacements from mobile network providers, fraudsters can take control of phone numbers. This can give them access to email accounts, banking apps, and social media platforms, where they are able to change passwords and contact details to lock victims out.
Between April and August this year, multiple victims reported breaches of personal and financial data to Kent Police. In one case linked to the investigation, up to 30 fraudulent loan applications were submitted using a single victim’s identity. Another victim reported unauthorised PayPal credit transactions totalling £600. Investigators traced the suspects using IP data and delivery addresses linked to fraudulent online purchases.
On Thursday 18 September, officers executed warrants at five properties located across Folkestone in which a 27 year old woman and a 33 year old man were arrested and have been bailed while enquiries continue. During the searches, officers recovered approximately £100,000 in cash and multiple mobile phones believed to be linked to e-sim fraud.
Kent Police is advising the public to remain alert to the signs of SIM-swapping fraud, which can include an unexplained loss of mobile service, notifications about account changes not initiated by the user, and unexplained transactions. Safeguarding advice includes using strong, unique passwords across all accounts and regularly updating mobile devices. You can read more on how to protect yourself against personal fraud here.