How do SMS diversion scams bypass user defences?

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SMS diversion scams can bypass user defences by compromising phone networks to steal OTPs
SMS diversion scams bypass user defences because scammers can compromise phone networks and then access a victim’s one-time passwords (OTPs). Once the attackers obtain OTPs, they can use them to complete fraud attempts. The situation is described as complex and technical, leaving users with little to no practical self-defence against this type of attack.
Scammers first compromise phone networks to reroute or intercept SMS traffic
The attacks are framed as SMS diversion scams or hacks, where scammers are able to compromise phone networks. With network access, the scammer can reach the communications path tied to a victim’s account activity. This is presented as a capability that goes beyond ordinary phishing calls or messages.
The key bypass step is accessing the victim’s OTPs
After compromising the phone network, scammers can access the victim’s OTPs. OTPs are treated in the description as the critical information that enables fraudulent actions. The bypass therefore hinges on stealing the verification codes rather than tricking the user into giving up other details.
The schemes are described as complex and technical, limiting what users can do
The account emphasises that there is not much a person can do to defend themselves from these complex and technical schemes. Unlike simpler social engineering that relies on a user clicking a link or sharing information, SMS diversion scams are portrayed as involving technical intrusion into network systems. This is why the defences available to individuals are portrayed as limited.
The overall fraud environment shows why constant vigilance alone is not enough
The broader context includes online fraud and SMS fraud reaching epidemic proportions, with attackers increasing in sophistication over time. The text notes that people are targeted through phone calls, SMS, and phishing emails that try to obtain bank account details. Against that backdrop, the emergence of SMS diversion scams is highlighted as a further escalation that users cannot reliably counter on their own.

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How do SMS diversion scams bypass user defences?

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