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How do thieves do a SIM swap?

Short answer

They trick or bribe carrier staff, or use your personal details to pretend to be you. A number lock or PIN makes it harder.

Rules differ by state. This is general information, not legal or professional advice.

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Official sources

FCC: SIM swapping and port-out fraudfcc.gov
IdentityTheft.gov (FTC)identitytheft.gov
FTC consumer adviceconsumer.ftc.gov