It’s time to stop SIM farm fraud

Have you heard of SIM farms? Your business might be using one for messaging – without you even realizing it.

These illegal channels for SMS are exposing businesses and European consumers to GDPR breaches. 

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SMS fraud. SIM farms. AddressTheMess!

SMS fraud, SIM farms, businesses, consumers: How does it all fit together?

While SIM farms operate in a shadow industry, we’re here to shed some light on how they infiltrate the business SMS ecosystem.

Listen to Robert Gerstmann, Chief Evangelist and co-founder of Sinch, explain the world of business SMS and how it’s infiltrated by SIM farms.

We also commissioned research on SIM farms. The report shows that they’re a threat to consumers.

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Learn more about SIM farms and smishing

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Weighing up the risks of SIM farms

Companies using SIM farms in their SMS value chains — whether knowingly or unknowingly — may face unexpected consequences. Consumer data in the wrong hands, legal issues… the list goes on.  

Take a look at our factsheet and weigh up the risks your company may face.  
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Image for The SIM farm threat is bigger than you think

The SIM farm threat is bigger than you think

Using a proprietary SMS tool, Sinch monitored the traffic of mobile operators and global tech brands in 16 EU countries. We uncovered some hair-raising insights on messages that were diverted onto SIM farms.  
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Image for Infographic: How SIM farms threaten consumers 

Infographic: How SIM farms threaten consumers 

Get this: One-third of all business SMS globally, and 19% in the EU, are not sent to consumers in the way mobile operators intended.

Check this infographic to see how SIM farms threaten European consumers, delivery chains, and businesses. 
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Image for Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the baddest smisher of them all?

Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the baddest smisher of them all?

Sinch has a new cautionary tale to tell to further raise awareness on SIM farms and how collectively we can address the mess they cause. 

We’re not asking you to kiss the frog, but we’re asking companies to be more vigilant to avoid the villains in the piece. 
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Image for Going beyond compliance

Going beyond compliance

Being a global tech champion comes with a great deal of responsibility, and we believe going beyond what’s expected should be one of them.   

Find out how we advocate for best practices in business SMS to build a better future for the industry. 
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Image for What it takes to be an industry champion — and how Sinch became one

What it takes to be an industry champion — and how Sinch became one

Wondering what sets leaders apart in the business SMS industry? Well, a big part of it is their approach to data protection.  

Check out this infographic to find out how we’re paving the way for a gold standard of business SMS.
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How SIM farms threaten consumers

Image for Smishing and SMS fraud are on the rise

Smishing and SMS fraud are on the rise

Have you ever received a text message with a suspicious link? 

The answer is probably yes, and the problem is increasing. The last couple of years have seen a huge rise in smishing…
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Impact of smishing on consumers

Good practice always protects consumers. When bad practice is involved, they’re at risk. By using SIM farms, companies let bad actors harvest consumer data.

For many, emotional harm comes on top of the financial loss…
Watch the video

€600M

The yearly cost of SMS fraud for European consumers.

69%

Increase in smishing attacks globally in 2021. 

24%

Increase in smishing attacks in the U.S. in 2021. 

667%

Increase in smishing in the first month of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

How SIM farms threaten business

Image for SIM farms hurt your business - and the economy

SIM farms hurt your business – and the economy

Business SMS has become an essential part of our everyday lives. You may not be overly aware of it, but living in Europe, in an average month, you are likely to receive…
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Fraud in business messaging by Robert Gerstmann

“There is a problem in our space. Not all providers follow the same rules. Companies sometimes end up unknowingly having suppliers using SIM farms and their consumer data ends up in the wrong hands.”

Robert Gerstmann
Chief Evangelist and co-founder of Sinch

€20.3B

The yearly amount spent by companies on SMS globally.

€1.6B

The yearly amount spent by European companies on SMS.

1/3

Of all business SMS globally are sent via unauthorized routes. 

€300M

The yearly cost of unauthorized SMS for mobile operators. 

More about data privacy

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Reports

SIM farms and the data protection risk

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SIM Farms and the data protection risk

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Fraud and security, Insights, Products

The importance of data protection and authorized messaging routes

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What are you waiting for?

Let’s put a stop to smishing and SMS fraud!

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