San Fernando Valley Man Sentenced for Massive SIM Swapping Fraud Targeting Elderly
A 36-year-old man from the San Fernando Valley in California has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for orchestrating a large-scale fraud scheme that targeted dozens of victims, many of whom were elderly. Oren David Sela stole mail, hijacked phone numbers through SIM swapping, and used victims’ identities to drain bank accounts, resulting in losses exceeding $1.8 million. This article details how the scheme worked and provides guidance on how to avoid becoming a victim of similar attacks.
Understanding SIM Swapping
SIM swapping is a form of identity theft where a scammer deceives a mobile carrier into transferring your phone number to a new SIM card that they control. Once they gain control of your phone number, they can intercept text messages, including verification codes, and gain access to your bank accounts, emails, and other sensitive information.
There are two primary methods scammers use to carry out SIM swaps. First, they might contact your mobile carrier impersonating you and claiming that their SIM card is lost or damaged. They will then request that your phone number be transferred to a new SIM card they possess. Secondly, some scammers may bribe or trick mobile carrier employees into performing the SIM swap without your consent.
Once a scammer controls your phone number, they can reset passwords for your online accounts, bypass two-factor authentication (2FA) that relies on SMS codes, access your email accounts, and ultimately gain access to your bank accounts and other financial information. SIM swapping essentially transforms your phone number into a master key for stealing your identity and money.
How Sela’s Scheme Operated
Between November 2021 and October 2023, Sela stole mail from homes in Beverly Hills and neighboring areas. He collected personal information, including names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and bank account details. Using this information, Sela executed SIM swapping attacks to bypass 2FA protections. This allowed him to access victims’ bank accounts and other online accounts. He then made hundreds of fraudulent withdrawals and transfers, attempting to steal nearly $2.6 million and successfully stealing at least $1.8 million.
Sela often spent the stolen funds on luxury items, including a watch worth nearly $17,000. In 2022, he was arrested in Beverly Hills and found with nearly $25,000 in cash, various pieces of expensive jewelry, and numerous fraudulent debit and credit cards belonging to elderly victims. Despite this arrest, Sela continued to commit fraud. During subsequent searches of his properties in 2022 and 2023, law enforcement discovered more than $70,000 in cash, stolen mail, fraudulent identification documents, and banking information linked to dozens of victims.
In October 2024, Sela pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. On April 22, 2025, he was sentenced to 61 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $1,818,369 in restitution.
The Weakness of SMS-Based Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is designed to provide an extra layer of security, but it is only effective if the attacker cannot access your phone. When scammers hijack your phone number, they can intercept 2FA codes sent by text and quickly take control of your accounts. Once inside your email or banking app, they can change your password, transfer funds, or open new accounts in your name. They do not even need your password if they control your phone number.
Protecting Yourself from SIM Swapping and Identity Theft
To protect yourself from SIM swapping and other forms of identity theft, take the following steps:
-
Monitor your accounts: Regularly review your bank statements, credit card statements, and financial accounts for unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious transactions immediately.
-
Lock your SIM card: Set a PIN on your SIM card through your mobile carrier. Without it, your number cannot be moved without your permission.
-
Be cautious about sharing personal information: Limit the amount of personal information you share online, especially on social media. Scammers often use small details like birthdays, pet names, or locations to guess security questions or impersonate you.
-
Place a fraud alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and request a fraud alert. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
-
Check your credit reports: Obtain free copies of your credit reports and review them carefully for suspicious activity. If you find errors or signs of fraud, report them right away.
-
Freeze your credit: A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name without your consent. It is free to set up and does not affect your credit score.
-
Use an authenticator app, not SMS for two-factor authentication: Use apps like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator instead of relying on text message codes, which can be intercepted if your phone number is stolen.
-
Strengthen your passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
-
Invest in identity theft protection: Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.
-
Be cautious of phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software: Watch out for emails, texts, or calls asking for personal information. Always verify the source before providing sensitive details. Installing antivirus software on all your devices can help protect you by blocking malicious links, detecting phishing attempts, and stopping malware before it can steal your private information.
Conclusion
SIM swapping is a serious threat because it gives criminals a shortcut around your strongest defenses. If scammers can steal your phone number, they can steal your money, your accounts, and even your identity. Take action today to protect your phone, your accounts, and your personal information. A few small steps can make the difference between staying safe and facing a devastating financial loss.
