What to do in case of lost/stolen SIM cards?

It is a worrisome situation if you lose your SIM card. If it ever happens, you first need to call the service operator and inform them about the lost SIM card so that they can block it immediately. Imagine a situation where you’ve had your prepaid or postpaid recharge done recently and lost your SIM card- an absolute nightmare! So, let’s read more to know about a stolen SIM card.

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Also read: The complete guide to buying a prepaid SIM online

What to do in case of lost/stolen SIM cards?

There are occasions when you mistakenly lose your phone, resulting in the loss of your SIM card. You may just misplace your SIM card, or you may damage it when inserting or removing it. It often takes a few hours to block a SIM card. You must pay a nominal fee to obtain a replacement SIM, and all your former services will be reinstated on the new SIM card.

Also read: An in-Depth Guide About Smart Sim Card

What to Do After You’ve Lost Your SIM Card?

Here are a few tips for you if in case you have lost SIM card recently-

• You must register a report with your local police station and provide a copy of the FIR together with your identity proof to the operator’s shop.
• If you have damaged it, go to your operator’s store, submit your old SIM card, and ID evidence, and apply for a new one.
• Call customer service and report the loss of your SIM card so that it can be blocked.
• When you go to pick up the replacement SIM card, you must have your original evidence.

Also read: Quick guide on how to get a duplicate sim card

SIM Card Theft is a Big Deal

You could easily become the victim of identity theft if your SIM card is solen. The thieves can execute a variety of crimes, from running up your phone bill to draining your checking account.

Let’s talk about another kind of SIM card theft- SIM swap. SIM swaps occur when a hacker convinces a cellphone provider to switch a mobile number to a SIM in the hacker’s control. After getting control of the phone number, the hacker can change the passwords for any accounts that use it for two-factor or multifactor authentication. SIM swapping is a cybercrime that includes identity fraud, computer fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, and theft. It is a serious theft that has severe consequences, including decades in prison.

You can avoid a SIM swap by using complex and unique passwords and not sharing any personal information on social media. SIM swaps make use of simple passwords and personal information to deceive mobile service providers into believing they are paying clients. Authenticator applications, like Google Authenticator, and physical security keys also significantly help in SIM protection.

Also read: Factors to consider before buying an International SIM Card

The First 3 Steps to Take After Losing a SIM Card

If you lose a SIM card you should act immediately to avoid further problems for yourself. Here are the first 3 steps you must take after losing a SIM card-

Call your service provider

If you have lost your SIM card you must call your service provider immediately. Most comapnies have a helpline number. This means you do not have to wait long. You need to contact them as quickly as possible. A customer support agent must lock and disable your SIM card so that no one else may use it. This is the first step you can do to prevent your SIM card from falling into the wrong hands.

SIM card replacement

Once you have blocked or deactivated your lost SIM card, you need to get a new one. This step is easy and simple. Simply go to your service provider’s local outlet shop. There you may configure and install a new SIM card.

File a complaint

If there is evidence of a theft and your SIM card was used fraudulently, you must file a police complaint immediately.

Conclusion

If you have lost your SIM, then you need to act on it immediately to avoid any kind of inconvenience. Many offenders use stolen SIM cards to bring off illegal activities or use your information for identity theft. Contact your phone service provider and inform them that your SIM card has been lost or stolen and that you wish to block or deactivate it. You may need to pay a nominal fee but that will prevent you from facing any kind of unideal situation.