Wyden, Other Democrats Press FCC to Address SIM Card Fraud

Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon and five other congressional Democrats urged the FCC Thursday to “initiate a rulemaking to protect consumers from SIM card swaps, “port outs and other similar methods of account fraud” aimed at stealing phone numbers and undermining two-factor authentication cybersecurity procedures. They cited reports estimating SIM fraud has resulted in tens of millions of dollars in damages. “Consumers have no choice but to rely on phone companies to protect them against SIM swaps -- and they need to be able to count on the FCC to hold mobile carriers accountable when they fail to secure their systems and thus harm consumers,” the lawmakers wrote to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. Also signing: Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Ed Markey of Massachusetts, House Commerce Committee Vice Chair Yvette Clarke of New York and Reps. Anna Eshoo and Ted Lieu, both of California. “Some carriers … have adopted policies that better protect” against SIM fraud like “allowing customers to add optional security protections to their account that prevent SIM swaps unless the customer visits a store and shows ID,” they said. “Implementation of these additional security measures by wireless carriers in the U.S. is still spotty and consumers are unlikely to find out about the availability of these obscure, optional security features until it is too late.” The FCC has the responsibility and authority to secure America’s communication networks and protect consumers who rely on those networks,” the lawmakers said. They sought information by Feb. 14 on current FCC anti-SIM fraud actions. The FCC didn’t comment. It has released information to consumers about SIM fraud practices.