There isn't a way to remotely “destroy” a SIM card but you should change the password for any account you used on your stolen phone.
The short answer to this is yes. It's absolutely possible for someone to clone or even hack your SIM card. However, it's not that common – in fact installing spyware onto a victim's device is a much more common practice used by hackers.
According to TRAI consumer handbook, a sim card is deemed to be deactivated in case of non-usage for over 90 days (about 3 months). The non-usage here means zero incoming or outgoing calls/messages, no data sessions, no use of value-added services, and any related payment.
Visit your local telecommunications provider. Bring a valid ID and an affidavit of loss. The procedure would be similar to requesting a SIM card deactivation and change of ownership.
The hacker needs to have enough details to convince a wireless provider that they're the account holder. Then, they request a new SIM card for a phone line on the account. After the scammer gets the new SIM card, they can install it in a device they own, and the old one is deactivated.
If you suspect that your SIM card was recently hacked, here are some signs that you may want to look out for: Not receiving any calls or texts - If your card has been successfully cloned or swapped, the one in your possession will be deactivated. A SIM card can only link to one phone number at a time.
Loss of network connection: When a sim card is canceled, it can no longer connect to any network, preventing you from making calls, sending messages, or using data. Loss of phone number: When a sim card is deactivated, the mobile phone number linked with it is no longer usable.
On the other hand, a deactivated SIM card is not usable. A SIM is in inactive mode before the activation process. Then, if active SIM cards remain dormant for a long time, they get deactivated. Once the active SIM card becomes disabled, it is impossible to use it again.
You might not have placed the SIM card in the tray correctly, or the card might be dirty or damaged. You will also have connection issues if the old SIM and your new phone are incompatible. Some 5G phones require updated SIM cards to work. It could also be a problem with the phone's software.
If your phone's SIM card has been compromised, you may see unusual calls and SMS activity. If you see outgoing calls and messages that you don't recognize, it might mean that someone is using your SIM card without your knowledge.
Can someone take control of your phone remotely? yes, it's possible. So, if you suspect that someone is accessing your phone or its information, then it's something you must confirm right away. And there are a few things that you can look out for.
A phone that is turned off is difficult to track because it stops sending signals to cell towers. However, the service provider or internet provider can show the last location once it's switched back on.
Suspending a SIM disables all services on it (i.e. Data, SMS and Voice), although you will still be charged the agreed monthly tariff. A suspended SIM is still provisioned. To re-enable services (i.e. Data, SMS and Voice), the SIM should be unsuspended.
“Failure to register the existing SIM within the period prescribed shall result in the automatic deactivation of the SIM. The deactivated SIM may only be reactivated after registration; provided, however, that reactivation shall be made not later that five (5) days after such automatic deactivation,” it also states.
Do they expire? On most networks, your SIM card and data will remain active as long as you make a chargeable activity every six months, at least.
Generally speaking, the easiest way to check whether or not a SIM card is activated is to put it into a phone, and try calling it. If it doesn't appear to be working when it's supposed to, get in contact with your carrier's customer service department or visit your cellular provider's local store.
Sim Card Hacking, also known as a SIM Swap Attack, SIM Port Hacking, or SIM Hijacking, occurs when a hacker persuades your cell phone carrier to move your cell phone number over to their device instead of yours. This causes any calls or texts to go to the hacker's device instead of your own.
SIM swapping, also known as SIM splitting, simjacking, or SIM hijacking, is a technique used by fraudsters to get control of your phone number. With your phone number, hackers can take advantage of two-factor authentication to gain access to your bank accounts, social media accounts, and more.
It would technically be possible to load malware onto a SIM as at the base of it a SIM is just a memory card, however doing so would be a rather difficult task and making the device read it would be even more difficult.
Blocking the sim card via customer care
The customer care executives will assist you in blocking the sim in a few simple steps. All you need to do is reach out to customer care on the right number from the right network. Below details will help you understand the same.
The SIM Card is an interface allowing a device to connect to the Cellular Network. SIM Cards in and of themselves cannot be tracked. Once the SIM Card is inserted into a phone that device can be tracked using Cellular Network data and GPS.
Can Your Android Phone Be Tracked When Turned Off? When you turn your phone off, you're temporarily deactivating all of its functions, including wireless communication. By cutting this off, your phone cannot be tracked via cell tower triangulation or GPS.
Is browser history stored on SIM cards? Nope, SIM cards don't hold your browser history on them. Only your internet browsers, like Safari or Firefox, hold that kind of info.
Your phone may be hacked if there is high data usage, lots of pop-ups, new apps you didn't download, unrecognized outgoing calls, or the battery drains quickly.