In 'SIM swap', criminals really have your number, says expert

Be wary of cyber fraud involving 'SIM swapping', in which a criminal takes over a victim's phone by getting the service provider to transfer the phone number to a new SIM card. —Dreamstime/TNS

If you're not familiar with SIM swap fraud, prepare to be terrified.

This scam, also known as port-out or SIM splitting fraud, allows criminals to hijack your cell phone number. Once they have your number, the bad guys can clean out your financial accounts, confiscate your email, delete your data and take over your social media profiles.