Port-Out Fraud takes Sim Swapping a step further, where the attacker transfers your number to a completely different carrier, gaining control of your phone line.

This can happen when you switch carriers and your phone company allows you to keep your number. Criminals can use port out fraud to: Hack your email and social media, Drain your bank accounts, Intercept your calls and SMS messages, and Receive authentication security codes from financial institutions. 

To prevent port-out fraud, you can: 

• Use multifactor authentication that doesn't require your phone number

• Use an authenticator app like Duo

• Use a physical security key like Yubikey

• Remove or hide personal information from social media accounts

• Create strong and unique passwords for all your accounts

• Never click a link you receive via email or text message

• Be aware of cold calls

• Set up a port freeze or number lock

• Switch to a burner number

• Contact your mobile service provider and request a PIN or secondary password
• Enable two-factor identification