How to Identify and Avoid Current Mobile Scams
The internet is now witnessing massive traffic as its use grows on a daily basis as a result of internet-enabled smartphones. A sizable amount of this traffic is attributed to cell phones. This is unsurprising considering that mobile technology advances almost daily in order to meet the needs and expectations of an ever-increasing population of cell phone consumers.
Mobile phone use has become an intrinsic aspect of our everyday lives, and as such, it is important that we be mindful of recent phone scams and how to prevent them in order to shield ourselves from any disaster that may occur as a result. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and recent smartphone scams.
1. Cloning of Cellphones
When your phone’s data or specific serial number is unlawfully accessed and used to configure another phone to be the same as your phone, it clearly ensures that your phone has been cloned. As a result, all calls or data used on the other handset will be billed to you.
If you think your handset has been tampered with, contact your network provider for assistance. Your network providers will assist you in deciding which calls you made and which were not made by you. Contact your mobile phone insurance company to recover any damages you may have suffered as a result, as your policies may cover fraudulent calls.
2. Scams via text message
Text scams are becoming more popular because they are one of the least suspected and most effective methods of modern phone scams. They can send you a text message that appears to be from a family member or acquaintance, instructing you to contact them. If you respond to such messages or phone calls, you will be charged quickly, with charges increasing by the second.
Another tactic they use is impersonating a local bank. They will give you a letter advising you of suspicious activities on your account and will persuade you to contact a number or visit a special website where you will be asked to enter your bank account information and other sensitive information in order to resolve the matter.
To avoid being a victim, always check with your bank before responding to any text message or calling any number that claims to be from your bank. Never rush to remedy a situation that requires you to include sensitive details, such as your bank account information.
3. Fraudulent Subscriptions
Mobile phone companies lose millions of dollars per year as a result of subscriber fraud. Subscriber fraud is impossible to detect, and even though it is, ensuring that you did not pay the debt takes time. When a fraudster obtains access to your personal records, he or she opens a cellular account in your name.
If you believe you have become a victim of subscriber theft, take the following steps right away:
* Make contact with law enforcement and file a police complaint
* Submit a letter to every major credit monitoring agency.
* Please notify the network service providers.
* Mobile phone fraudsters can access your personal details if your phone is missing or stolen. This detail allows them to make unrestricted phone payments and illegal calls.
Get a login code to avoid turning over your personal information to scammers on a silver platter. Have your cell close at hand so you don’t misplace it. Some smartphones have applications that can help you locate and retrieve a stolen object.
4. Scams on Phone Insurance
Phone insurance scammers will act as insurers affiliated with the cell phone carrier from which you purchased your phone. They will want to give you phone protection. Obviously, you will never be able to get benefits. Never give someone your financial details on the internet.
5. Scams Using Recorded Messages
If you get a voicemail instructing you to call back to win a reward you have won, please ignore it because it is most definitely a scam. If you call back, you will be charged exorbitantly.
6. Scams involving a single ring
As the name implies, you will get a call from an unknown number that will ring once. When you return the call, you will be charged a connection charge as well as a very high conversion rate. Avoid dialing area codes 473, 876, 268, 809, and 284 since they have been associated with scams. Don’t call back a random number that only rings once or you could end up walking straight into a trap.
7. Scams Used Ransomware
Ransomware is a form of malware that infects a device or cell phone and prevents its users from accessing it before a ransom is paid. The app is distributed through phishing emails or drive-by downloads (which involves you visiting an infected website that downloads and installs without your knowledge).
How to Avoid Cell Phone Scams
Use Only Applications From Recommended App Stores: Only use apps from recommended app stores such as the Android Play Store and Apple’s App Store. Downloading Apps from locations other than the recommended App store might result in the installation of Ransomware on your mobile phone or device.
Use Pins and Passwords: Do use pins and passwords on your cell phone to keep them secure from prying eyes. Install cell-tracking software as well to help locate and recover your phone if it is stolen.
Be Wary of Unexpected Callers: Never be in a hurry to return any call or text from an unknown number, particularly if it is a request to redeem a reward or provide personal or account information.
Regularly upgrade the system: Another protection precaution will be to always search for new updates for your phone and device since they could provide more security options that will fix any known vulnerabilities.
Disposing of Your Handset: Before disposing of your phone or transferring possession to another person, make sure you do the following:
a) Perform a factory reset on your computer.
b) If you have some extra storage cards, take them back.
c) Be certain that no pin, password, or personal information remains in the device.
