As smartphone technology continues to evolve, it also paves the way for an increasing amount of scams. These scams can costs victims anywhere in the range of just a few dollars to their whole life savings. As using these devices becomes a more integral part of our daily lives, it’s important to be aware of the different types of mobile scams and how to avoid them. Here’s a look at some of the most common scams.
It is estimated that stolen and lost cell phones will cost American consumers approximately $30 billion this year.
To avoid losing or having your phone stolen, try to keep it in the same spot on you whenever you are out so you don’t lose track of it. Make sure to use a secure passcode so the thief cannot gain access to your information. Some smartphones come equipped with an app that will help you find your phone in a situation like this. If your smartphone doesn’t have such an app pre-installed, you can download one. If your phone is lost or stolen you can use the app to help you track your phone down. There are also apps that enable you to wipe all the data on your phone remotely when the phone is online.
Text Scams
These come in many different forms. The scammer may send you a text that looks like it is from a friend, inviting you to catch up or give them a call. Once you respond to the text message or call them you are charged a high rate for each call and the charges increase by the second.
Another common text scam attempts to make it look like your bank is sending you a text.
The message will notify you that there has been fraudulent activity on your account and prompt you to visit a website or call a number. Scammers can gain access to your personal information and bank account information if the website is visited or phone number is called.
To avoid falling for this scam, be cautious of the text messages you respond to. Do Not respond to the numbers that are suggested to you. Instead, call your network provider’s support helpline or bank and ask them if the claims made are true and supply them with the numbers you have been provided with.
One-ring Scams
This scam starts with one of those annoying calls from an unknown number that only rings once. The scammers hope that you will call back when you see the missed call. Once you do call back you will be charged a $19.95 connection fee as well as per-minute fees. These scams usually originate in the Caribbean. Some of the area codes that have been used in these scams are 268, 809, 876, 284, and 473.
If you get a call from a number you don’t recognize and it only rings once, don’t call back! If you have fallen for this scam keep an eye on your bill and contact your carrier.
The FCC entered into a public-private partnership to develop a tool for consumers that provides smartphone users with security steps customized by a mobile operating system. The smartphone Security Checker is available at http://www.fcc.gov/smartphone-security.
Recorded Message Scams
These scams are similar to one-ring scams. Instead of leaving a missed call, you will receive a voicemail that prompts you to call back for more information on a prize you have won. When you call back you will be charged exorbitant fees similar to the one-ring scams, and the prize will likely be a scam as well.
If you receive a voicemail prompting you to call back to hear more about your prize, don’t call back.
Phone Insurance Scams
These usually occur after a new mobile phone has recently been purchased. Scammers will call claiming to be associated with the company from where you purchased your phone. They will then offer to sell you insurance for it. Worst-case scenario, you won’t actually get any phone insurance.
Always ask for credentials including a return phone number. Never disclose any financial or even identifying information over the phone, especially when it is not you that has initiated the call.
Ransomware Scams
These are exactly what they sound like, scammers will hold your phone ransom until they receive a payment. While surfing the web on your mobile phone your phone will freeze then a screen will appear. You will see an official-looking message claiming that your phone is frozen due to a violation of laws. In order to use your phone again, you will have to pay a “fine” that will need to be deposited into a debit account.
To avoid this happening to you, be careful of what you download on your phone and only download apps from your phone’s branded app store. Avoid downloading apps directly from sites that bypass the phone’s apps store. When using public Wi-Fi avoid accessing your bank accounts and other important personal accounts. Public Wi-Fi has reduced security to enable public access and is, therefore, the most vulnerable to a hacking attempt.
When in doubt about a security issue, please call our department to discuss the matter.
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