In some cases, your mobile carrier may be held partially liable if they were negligent in protecting your account. If an attacker successfully executed a SIM swap by impersonating you, and the carrier failed to enforce proper security protocols (such as verifying identity with a PIN or password), they may be accountable under certain consumer protection or negligence laws.
Major carriers have faced lawsuits in the past for SIM swap attacks, especially in situations where they failed to implement enhanced security measures. Courts have held that phone companies have a duty to protect customer accounts, and failing to prevent unauthorized access—even with known risks—could amount to gross negligence.
However, liability depends on the facts of your case. It must be shown that the carrier had knowledge of the risk and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it. Victims can often file complaints with regulatory bodies like the FCC or state consumer protection agencies, and may be able to pursue compensation through civil litigation.
If your phone number was hijacked and used to commit fraud, consult with an attorney who handles SIM swap and identity theft cases. Legal representation may help uncover whether the carrier acted negligently and can help you seek justice and financial recovery.
