FBI Issues Urgent Warning on New Smartphone Hack Emptying Bank Accounts
1. The FBI is alerting the public to a sophisticated "SIM swapping" attack that allows criminals to hijack your phone number, bypassing two-factor authentication and gaining full access to your banking apps.
2. A single text message asking you to click a link can trigger the entire takeover; the hackers use stolen personal info to convince your carrier to transfer your number to their device.
3. The attack is surging in 2024, with losses averaging over $50,000 per victim, as crooks drain accounts, take out loans, and steal cryptocurrency before you even notice your service has cut out.
4. Key red flags: your phone suddenly loses service/Shows "No Service" in an area with full bars, or you stop receiving SMS codes and calls.
5. The FBI recommends immediately using authenticator apps or physical security keys instead of text message codes, and contacting your wireless carrier to set up a unique account PIN—do not use the same PIN you use for other accounts.