Chip spoofing: learn more about SIM swapping and how we can deal with this new form of computer fraud Osiptel nndc | LIME

During these last weeks, dozens of people have reported having suffered the theft of money from their bank accounts after suddenly and inexplicably running out of a telephone signal on their cell phone. In this regard, the Supervisory Agency for Private Investment in Telecommunications (Osiptel) warned of the new modality called SIM swapping, or the impersonation of the mobile SIM card.

WHAT IS THE SIM SWAPPING?

According to Osiptel, the SIM swapping or spoofing the mobile SIM card, It is a criminal modality that has gained strength in several countries around the world and has already registered cases in Peru.

In this mode, criminals collect personal information from victims (through phishing, fraudulent apps, fake WI-FI signals, among others) such as your telephone number, and they seize the mobile line notifying the operating company of an alleged loss or theft of the equipment, and then request the replacement of the service on another mobile chip.

With the duplicate in their hands, criminals make the most of the information that can be linked to the cell phone number, such as email or membership accounts, data in the cloud, as well as the victim’s bank accounts, to make transfers, request credits, purchase products or services, among others.

While this happens, the actual owners of the telephone line experience loss of signal and mobile service. Later, when they consult their operating company, they discover that the service is activated on a chip that is in the possession of a third party.

“Sim swapping” is a new form of identity and money theft. Ositel warns about this modality since in Peru the cases are increasing. (Source: Latina TV)

WHAT DOES THE PNP SAY ABOUT THIS NEW FORM OF FRAUD?

Speaking to Latina, Colonel PNP Eric Angeles, Head of the High Technology Crime Investigation Division, specified that workers of the different telephone operators nationwide would be accomplices of the cybercriminals who do SIM swapping.

“It has been established that personnel working in the different telephone operators They have provided their access codes to the accounts or have allowed these types of steps to be carried out or procedures to grant the chips improperly”, precise.

According to the aforementioned media, the crime of computer fraud it represents 80% of complaints registered in police stations in the country. A day there can be 50 cases of victims whose cell phone was blocked. The amount of what was stolen by bank transfers to unknown accounts it could exceed 100,000 soles per day.

Telephone workers investigated for computer fraud https://www.latina.pe/noticias

WHAT TO DO ABOUT A SCAM OF THIS TYPE?

If you are a victim of SIM swapping, that is, you suddenly lose your mobile service, Osiptel recommends the following:

• Users should immediately contact the operating company and rule out the issuance of a second cellular chip.
• In case this happens, the user must request the replacement of his SIM card, so that the operating company deactivates the service of the chip that is in the possession of third parties.
• For this, the operating company will validate the identity of the subscriber by means of biometric verification of his fingerprint.
• Likewise, users must report this type of crime to the National Police of Peru so that investigations on identity theft can be carried out and the pertinent responsibilities determined.

For more information and guidance, you can contact the channel for free Telephone 1844 Phone Help, as well as writing to the email: [email protected]

HOW TO PROTECT MY PERSONAL INFORMATION?

In order to avoid being a victim of SIM swapping or any other form of computer scam, it is important to remember never provide personal data by SMS, email or phone calls to strangers.

You should be wary of entities that ask for personal passwords or other information that may be considered confidential.

Likewise, Osiptel recommends users not to buy chips from street vendors, as they could use their personal data and user’s fingerprint to be scammed or become victims of bank fraud.

CHECK HOW MANY REGISTERED LINES YOU HAVE IN YOUR NAME

Osiptel also urges users to periodically check how many lines are registered in their name.

• To do this, they can access the website (https://www.osiptel.gob.pe/) and access the online service “How many mobile phone lines do you have in your name?”.

In these links you can verify how many mobile phone lines you have registered in your name per operator. Photo: Osiptel

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A LINE THAT YOU DID NOT ACQUIRE IN YOUR NAME?

In case you find out about mobile services prepaid registered in your name and that you do not acknowledge having contracted, you have the right to initiate a procedure of Questioning of Ownership.

In the event that you are being charged for billing or charging a mobile service postpaid or control that you do not acknowledge having contracted, you have the right to file a claim with the operating company, under the concept of Unsolicited Hiring.

According to the criteria of

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