New Cruise Scam Steals $32,000 from Passengers: Here’s What You Need to Know
Scammers have found new ways to target unsuspecting travelers, and for one couple, their dream cruise quickly turned into a nightmare.
Stephen and Karen Ratchford, seasoned cruisers, became victims of a rising cyber threat known as SIM swapping during their October 2024 voyage aboard a P&O cruise ship.
The couple, who were on a Mediterranean cruise, found themselves in a situation no one should face while traveling abroad.
SIM swapping, a method used by cybercriminals to gain control of someone’s phone number, has grown in prevalence and sophistication. This attack involves transferring a phone number to a new SIM or eSIM, giving the hacker access to the victim’s sensitive data, such as emails and banking information.
Once the fraudsters had control of the Ratchfords’ numbers, they quickly exploited the information to take out loans, apply for overdrafts, and even rack up a mobile phone bill totaling £150 ($195 USD) through premium messaging services.
The couple’s alarming realization came during a port call in Split, Croatia, when they suddenly lost access to their phone numbers.
Stephen, speaking to a news outlet back home, described the situation as “absolutely horrendous,” adding that being stuck aboard a ship in a foreign country made it even more distressing.
However, P&O Cruises stepped in, offering support and allowing the couple to use a phone to contact authorities and resolve the issue.
Unfortunately, while the cruise line wasn’t involved in the scam, the incident highlights the growing concern for passengers using their phones on board. With most cruise lines recommending passengers keep phones in airplane mode to avoid roaming charges, it’s easy to see how travelers could let their guard down.
The good news is that after the fraud was uncovered, the financial institutions involved reversed the charges, and the couple’s loans and overdrafts were canceled.
Their mobile provider, iD Mobile, even offered a goodwill payment of £75 ($98 USD) for the hassle, though not all service providers may be so generous.
Stephen’s story serves as a cautionary tale for other cruisers and smartphone users alike. Despite not clicking on any suspicious links or answering unsolicited calls, he was still targeted by this clever scam.
As he shared, “Two-tier verification is only any good if you are in charge of your phone… I’m quite savvy and if I’ve never heard of a SIM card swap, I’m guessing a lot of people haven’t.”
How to Protect Yourself from SIM Swapping Scams
To avoid falling victim to this type of cyberattack, cruise passengers and travelers alike need to take proactive steps. Experts recommend the following precautions:
- Enable a PIN or Password on Your Account: Contact your mobile carrier and set up a special PIN number that’s required for any changes to your account. This can prevent fraudsters from swapping your SIM without your knowledge.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication: Rely on an authenticator app for two-factor verification, which is much safer than SMS-based codes. This reduces the risk of a hacker gaining access through a compromised SIM.
- Be Cautious on Social Media: Scammers often use social media to gather information about you, such as answers to security questions. Avoid posting personal details, especially if your profiles are public.
- Stay Aware of Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls that ask for sensitive information. Scammers often use these methods to trick you into revealing personal details.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from becoming the next target of a SIM swapping scam, whether you’re on a cruise or at home.
As Stephen Ratchford pointed out, “Awareness is key. The more people know about this, the safer they will be.”
Stay informed and stay safe while cruising!
