Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
On Thursday 17 July 2025, the Grand Ducal Police issued a warning about a scam involving so-called SIM card "muling".
In recent months, the police have received several reports of this phenomenon, in which criminals primarily exploit young people by persuading them to purchase SIM cards for third parties.
According to the police, the young people are typically contacted via social media or instant messaging platforms (e.g. Snapchat) and asked to purchase a SIM card in exchange for payment. The phone number, registered in their name, is then misused - often without their knowledge - for phishing or other fraudulent activity.
In one case reported to the police, around 8,000 fraudulent text messages were sent using a prepaid SIM card registered in a victim's name.
In many cases, those involved as SIM card mules later become money mules.
To avoid falling victim to such scams, the police issued the following advice:
- be wary of lucrative offers that promise quick and easy money;
- do not purchase goods for third parties unless you intend to use them yourself and personally comply with the contractual agreements;
- be cautious when receiving messages from unknown numbers, especially if they are written in poor German, French or English and contain spelling mistakes.
Anyone who suspects they may have been exploited as a SIM card mule is encouraged to contact their local police station.
The police also reminded the public that even when purchasing a prepaid SIM card, personal data is collected and stored by the provider, as proof of identity is required at the time of purchase.
