Emergency Help
My Phone Lost Signal and My Accounts Are Being Taken Over
Sudden "No Service" plus password resets you didn't ask for can mean a SIM swap. Move fast — here's the order.
In a SIM swap, an attacker tricks your carrier into moving your number to their phone, then uses text-message codes to break into your accounts. The tell is your phone dropping to "No Service" out of nowhere. Speed matters — answer below.
What to do about a SIM-swap attack
Regain your number and cut the attacker off from your accounts.
- From another phone or landline, call your carrier's fraud line and have them lock your number and reverse any SIM change.
- From a trusted device, secure your email first — change the password and sign out all sessions.
- Switch important accounts off SMS codes onto an authenticator app or hardware key.
- Change your banking passwords and check for unauthorised transfers or new payees.
- Add a carrier PIN or port-freeze so your number can't be moved again.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a SIM swap?
It's when an attacker convinces your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to a SIM card they control — often using personal details from a data breach. Once they have your number, any text-message login codes go to them, letting them break into your accounts.
Why does my phone lose signal during a SIM swap?
Because your number can only be active on one SIM at a time. The moment the carrier moves it to the attacker's SIM, your own phone drops to "No Service" or "SOS only". That sudden, unexplained loss of signal is the key warning sign.
How do I stop it happening again?
Add a PIN or port-freeze with your carrier so no one can move your number without it, and move your two-factor codes off SMS onto an authenticator app or a hardware security key. Those app/key codes can't be stolen by swapping your SIM.
This is general guidance for common situations, not legal or financial advice. When large sums or physical safety are involved, contact your bank and local authorities directly.