Chip Exchange Fraud in Morocco: Official Warning to Banks and Telecoms

The Moroccan Observatory for Consumer Protection warned of the growing “SIM Swap” fraud, a fraudulent method targeting phone numbers associated with bank accounts and digital services in Morocco. In a warning issued on Sunday, the Observatory called on telecommunications companies and banks to tighten protection measures to confront this type of cybercrime. How does SIM switching scam work? Fraudsters rely on stolen personal data or forged documents to obtain a replacement SIM card in the victim's name without their knowledge. Once activated The new SIM card, the original number holder loses the connection to the network, while the fraudster controls the reception of calls and messages, including the bank verification codes used to secure accounts. This hack opens the door to digital identity theft, resetting passwords, and executing money transfers in the victim's name. The Observatory demands from telecommunications companies The Moroccan Observatory for Consumer Protection called on telecommunications companies to: Tighten the procedures for verifying the identity of alternative chipset applicants Immediately notify the number holder when providing any A request to switch the chip to adopt a security deadline and multiple verification rules before activating the new chip. What does the Observatory require from banks? The Observatory also called on banks and digital service providers to stop relying on the phone number alone as a means of identity verification, strengthen systems for monitoring unusual transactions, and establish quick channels for freezing accounts and operations immediately upon suspicion of fraud. He stressed the need for coordination between telecommunications companies, banks and relevant authorities, with clarification of responsibilities in the event of damage Keeping abreast of victims. Warning signs to pay attention to One of the most prominent indicators of exposure to SIM card fraud: sudden outage of the network for no apparent reason, inability to make calls or receive text messages, and the owner of the number received notifications about the request to change the SIM card or password that he did not submit himself. If one of these signs appears, it is advisable to immediately contact the phone operator and the bank, change passwords, and retain any proofs that may be necessary later.