How the exchange of SIM led to a case of cyber fraud of $ 1.8 million

A man from San Fernando Valley, California, has been sentenced to more than five years in a federal prison after orchestrating a Mass fraud operation That attacked dozens of victims, many of them old.

Oren David Sela, 36, stole mail, kidnapped telephone numbers through SIM exchange and used the identities of the victims to drain bank accounts, stealing more than $ 1.8 million.

This is how the scheme worked and what you can do to avoid becoming a victim of a similar attack.

Unique Cyberguy’s free report: Obtain my expert technology advice, critical security alerts and exclusive offers, in addition to instant access to my Free Definitive Scam Survival Guide When you register!

What is Sim’s exchange?

SIM exchange It is a form of identity theft where a scammer deceives a mobile operator to transfer his phone number to a new SIM card they control. Once they kidnap their number, they can intercept text messages, including verification codes, and obtain access to their bank accounts, emails and more.

There are two common ways in which scammers perform Sim Swaps:

• Social engineering: They make you go through him and communicate with the customer service of his telephone operator, claiming that his phone was lost or stolen. Then they convince the operator to activate a new SIM card with their number.
• Internal threats: In some cases, scammers bribe or deceive employees in mobile carriers to change the number without following the appropriate verification steps.

Once they control their phone number, they can:

• Receive all your incoming calls and text messages
• Resting passwords in your email, bank and social media accounts
• Avoid security alerts sent to your phone
• Lloquea of ​​your own accounts

Sim’s exchange turns your phone number into a master key to steal your identity and money.

How to avoid Malicious Sim exchange scam

Within the fraud scheme of $ 1.8 million

Between November 2021 and October 2023, Sela stole mail of houses in Beverly Hills, California, and nearby neighborhoods. Compiled personal information, including:

• Det and credit card details
• Bank account numbers
• Social Security Numbers
• Driving licenses

Using this information, Sela made SIM exchange attacks to avoid the authentication of two factors (2fa) Protections. This allowed him:

• Enter financial and banking accounts online of victims
• Open new fraudulent accounts in the names of the victims
• Transfer money to intermediary accounts that controlled
• Ask for new debit and credit cards linked to victims accounts

Sela made hundreds of fraudulent retreats and transfers. He tried to steal almost $ 2.6 million and successfully stole at least $ 1.8 million.

The luxurious lifestyle and its fall

Sela often spent the stolen money on luxury products, including a clock of almost $ 17,000. In 2022, he was arrested in Beverly Hills and found almost $ 25,000 in cash, several pieces of faces and numerous fraudulent debit and credit cards belonging to elderly victims. Despite this arrest, Sela continued to commit fraud. During two subsequent searches of its properties in 2022 and 2023, the police discovered more than $ 70,000 in cash, stolen mail, fraudulent identification documents and bank information linked to dozens of victims.

In October 2024, Sela declared himself guilty of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. On April 22, 2025, he was sentenced to 61 months in a federal prison and was ordered to pay $ 1,818,369 in restitution.

FBI warns about the new extortion scam aimed at confidential data

Why Sim’s exchange is so dangerous

The authentication of two factors provides an additional security layer, but it is only effective if the attacker cannot access his phone. When the scammers kidnap their phone number, they can intercept 2FA codes sent by text message and quickly take control of their accounts. Once within your email or bank application, you can:

• Rest passwords
• Move money
• Lloquea
• Open new credit lines in your name

They don’t even need their password if they can control their number.

What is artificial intelligence (AI)?

What exactly is a data violation and why should I care?

How to protect from SIM exchange and identity theft

Take these important steps to ensure your information:

1. Monitor your accounts: Regularly review your bank extracts, credit card extracts and financial accounts for unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious transaction immediately.

2. Block your SIM card: Set a pin on your SIM card through your mobile carrier. Without it, your number cannot move without your permission.

3. Be careful to share personal information: Limit the amount of personal information you share online, especially on social networks. Scammers often use small details such as birthdays, pet names or locations to guess security questions or impersonate them.

4. Place a fraud alert: Contact one of the three main credit offices (Equifax, Experian or Transunion) and request a fraud alert. This makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.

5. Verify your credit reports: Get free copies of your credit reports and carefully check for suspicious activities. If you find errors or signs of fraud, inform them immediately.

Get the News business on the fly by clicking here

6. Free your credit: A credit freezing prevents new accounts from being opened without their consent. It is free to configure and does not affect your credit score.

7. Use an authenticator application, no SMS for two factors authentication: Use applications such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator Instead of trusting text message codes, which can be intercepted if your phone number is stolen.

8. Strengthen your passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password administrator to generate and store complex passwords safely. Get more details about me The best password administrators reviewed by experts from 2025 here.

9. Invest in identity theft protection: Identity theft companies can monitor personal information such as their Social Security number (SSN), telephone number and email address and alert it if it is sold on the dark website or used to open an account. They can also help you freeze your bank and credit card accounts to avoid greater unauthorized use by criminals. See my advice and the best selections on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

10. Be careful with phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software: Be careful with emails, text messages or calls requesting personal information. Always verify the source before providing confidential details. Installing antivirus software on all its devices can help you protect it by blocking malicious links, detecting phishing attempts and stop malware before you can steal your private information. Get my elections for the best antivirus protection winners 2025 for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Kurt’s Key Takeways

If scammers can steal their phone number, they can steal their money, their accounts and even their identity. The exchange of SIM is a serious threat because it gives criminals a shortcut around their strongest defenses. Take measures today to protect your phone, your accounts and personal information. Some small steps can make the difference between staying safe and face a devastating financial loss.

Click here to get the News application

Have you ever been attacked by a SIM exchange scam or an identity theft? Get us knowing in Cyberguy.com/contact

To obtain more technological tips and safety alerts, subscribe to my free Cyberguy Report newsletter when you head Cyberguy.com/newsletter

Ask Kurt or tell us what stories you would like us to cover.

Follow Kurt in his social channels:

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

Answers to the most informed Cyberguys questions:

• What is the best way to protect your MAC devices, Windows, iPhone and Android to be pirate?
• What is the best way to stay private, safe and anonymous while navigating the web?
• How can I get rid of robocalls with data elimination applications and services?
• How do I eliminate my private internet data?

New Kurt:

• Try the new Cyberguy games (crosswords, words searches, trivia and more!)
• Cyberguy exclusive coupons and offers
• The best gifts for mom 2025

Copyright 2025 Cyberguy.com. All rights reserved.