This SIM swapping or Hijacking is a specific type of identity theft which usually involves porting of a particular number to the SIM that the attacker is using. The attackers manipulate telephone provider and convince them that they are the original mobile number owner. Then they will port the mobile number onto their personal SIM card and use it for different purposes. The former employees of the telephone companies have aided “the community” in stealing the identities. After swapping the SIMs successfully, the attackers use that number to get access to online accounts, etc. The accused committed a total of 7 SIM swaps and stole 2.5 million USD worth of cryptocurrency. Each one of the defendants will face a maximum of 20 years penalty in the prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud. Identity theft will make them eligible for two more years of prison time. Earlier US justice department has imprisoned a 20-year old student for 10 years for SIM swapping. Source – TheHackerNews
