QuickCheck: Is there a new scam technique attacking smartphones?

A claim has gone viral via WhatsApp and Facebook that a new hacking technique called the "SIM Swap" is being used by scammers to attack smartphones.

It alleges that a potential victim will receive a call that asks them to press "1", after which hackers will be able to take control of the phone and transfer money from the victim's account. Is this true?

VERDICT:

FALSE

In a statement on Jan 15, the police said that the claim is false and added that no reports have been received involving this technique.

"What commonly happens is that an APK file containing malware will be sent to a smartphone user. When it is downloaded, criminals will have access to the smartphone and this will allow them to get the victim's banking information, which will then be used," said Commercial Crimes Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Mohd Kamarudin Md Din