Have you ever switched phone providers? Maybe you walked into a store, found that shiny new phone you’ve always wanted (or just learned that you always wanted). The store employees are super happy with your choice. They get your information, you give them your phone number, and the next thing you know you have a new phone and a new provider. Easy, right?

Now imagine someone else — who is not you — decides they want a new phone too. Only they want access to some of your accounts. They pretend they are you. They tell the store your phone number. The store activates your phone number on their device. They can now receive text messages intended for you. That trick is called SIM swapping. There are other ways attackers get SMS messages too: forwarding numbers, account-port abuse, or social engineering someone at the carrier.