Nationwide policing operation targets widespread SIM box fraud
SIM boxes are allegedly used by criminals to commit large-scale SMS phishing attacks known as 'smishing'. Smishing is a malicious attack that uses deceptive text messages to deceive victims into downloading malware or sharing personal information.
"This kind of offending is cowardly. It involves criminals essentially casting their net out far and wide and taking advantage of the trust the community has in legitimate business names. They rely on a handful of unsuspecting recipients clicking the link and inputting their details, and the consequences for those people can be devastating and life changing," said Det-Supt McKinney
Australia, AFP - Policing agencies across Australia have joined forces in a National Day of Action (Thursday 18 July, 2024), coordinated by the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), to disrupt cyber criminals allegedly using SIM boxes to scam hundreds of Australians.
SIM boxes are allegedly used by criminals to commit large-scale SMS phishing attacks known as 'smishing'. Smishing is a malicious attack that uses deceptive text messages to deceive victims into downloading malware or sharing personal information.
Police have arrested six alleged offenders including four people in NSW and two people to proceed by summons in Victoria. The alleged offenders are suspected of using SIM boxes to send fraudulent SMS phishing communications to access and obtain personal information from unsuspecting Australians via their banking or government-affiliated online accounts.
The investigation was initiated by NSW Police Force (NSWPF) in March, 2024, and utilised the JPC3 to coordinate state and territory police in the targeting, disruption and seizure of SIM boxes nationwide.
