In today’s digital age, our phone numbers are more than just a way to call and text — they are often the keys to our bank accounts, social media, and email. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have found a way to exploit this through what is known as a SIM Swap Scam.
What is a SIM Swap Scam?
A SIM swap scam happens when a fraudster tricks your mobile service provider into transferring your phone number to a new SIM card under their control. Once this happens, they can receive your calls and texts, including the One-Time Passwords (OTPs) banks and online services send for verification.
This gives scammers the power to:
Log in to your banking apps and steal money.
Take over your email and social media accounts.
Impersonate you to scam your friends and family.
In 2021, a woman from New York lost $22,000 when hackers swapped her SIM card and gained access to her online banking account. This isn’t just a foreign problem — it is happening right here in Africa, including Ghana.
SIM Swap in Africa and Ghana
In South Africa, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) reported that SIM swap fraud was one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes, leading to millions in losses annually. In Nigeria, cases of telecom staff colluding with criminals to perform fraudulent swaps have also been uncovered.
Here in Ghana, several people have shared experiences of suddenly losing network service, only to later discover that their phone numbers were used to drain their MoMo wallets or gain access to their bank accounts. The widespread use of mobile money (MoMo) in Ghana makes SIM swap scams particularly dangerous, as fraudsters can quickly wipe out savings in minutes.
Warning Signs of a SIM Swap
Suddenly losing mobile signal for a long time without reason.
Being unable to access your bank or MoMo account.
Receiving suspicious notifications or messages about password resets you didn’t request.
How to Protect Yourself
Here are some precautionary measures:
1. Set strong PINs and passwords – Avoid using easy-to-guess numbers like your birthday or 1234 for MoMo, bank, and email accounts.
2. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) – Where possible, use authentication apps instead of SMS-based OTPs.
3. Keep your personal details private – Don’t share sensitive information such as ID numbers, phone numbers, or account details with strangers.
4. Watch out for phishing attempts – Fraudsters may call pretending to be from MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo, or even your bank. Never share your PIN or OTP with them.
5. Regularly check your accounts – Monitor your MoMo and bank statements for suspicious activity.
6. Report immediately – If your phone suddenly loses signal and you suspect a SIM swap, contact your mobile network provider and bank right away.
Final Thoughts
As Ghana becomes more digitally connected, the risk of SIM swap scams is rising. With mobile money and online banking now part of our daily lives, criminals are also becoming smarter. Awareness and vigilance are our best defenses.
Remember: your phone number is like your digital key — protect it the same way you would protect your house keys.