UK holidaymakers warned over SIM swap scams | Travel News | Travel

The holiday season may be in full swing, but criminals are using it as the perfect opportunity to strike—particularly targeting travellers and commuters during moments of distraction.

Fraudsters are reportedly exploiting a particularly insidious trick: stealing mobile phones and then hijacking the number by convincing network providers to transfer it to a new SIM card they control.

This allows them to intercept crucial calls and texts—including those all-important one-time passcodes (OTPs) used for two-factor authentication—giving them unprecedented access to everything from bank accounts to cryptocurrency wallets.

Ryan Sweetnam, Director of Crypto Fraud and Financial Litigation at CEL Solicitors, sounded the alarm: “SIM swap fraud is one of the fastest-growing cyber threats we’re seeing, particularly affecting people when they’re more relaxed. This can be whilst you’re walking around town, to the tube, bus or just along the street, or even when you’re on holiday, be it in the UK or abroad.”

He added: “Once a scammer has your phone they can potentially access your banking and crypto accounts within minutes.”

“Holidaymakers are often easy targets, with many admitting they don’t regularly monitor their financial accounts while overseas. That, coupled with the use of unsecured public Wi-Fi and international roaming, creates the ideal conditions for these high-tech thieves,” he said.

Mr Sweetnam warned of the silent nature of the crime: “The real danger is that people don’t always notice what’s happened until it’s too late. You might not see missing funds for hours or even days, giving criminals a huge head start.

“Even those who have their phones stolen out of their hands will quickly report the theft to law enforcement or their banks, but with the growing number of people with access to stocks, shares and cryptocurrencies on their phones, this is often forgotten until it’s too late.”

To help protect against this growing threat, experts at CEL Solicitors are urging Brits to follow a series of critical safety tips:

• Beware of unsolicited requests for information: Never share personal data such as your date of birth, address or account details in response to texts, emails or phone calls—even if they appear to be from your bank or mobile provider.

• Ditch SMS authentication: Opt for app-based two-factor authentication instead. Unlike SMS, these apps don’t rely on your phone number, making them far more secure.

• Keep tabs on your accounts while abroad: Regularly check your banking and crypto platforms for any suspicious activity.

• Strengthen your digital defences: Use robust, unique passwords and consider a password manager. Also, update your security questions to make them harder to guess.

• Act fast if your phone loses signal unexpectedly: This could be an early sign your number has been transferred without your knowledge. Contact your mobile provider and bank immediately.

With cybercriminals becoming increasingly cunning, Mr Sweetnam says vigilance is vital—especially during the holiday season: “Staying informed, especially when you’re out of your usual routine, is essential. Fraud can happen to anyone but preparation can make all the difference.”