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Top Smartphone Scams
Smartphone sales keep increasing at an exponential rate, and it doesn’t look like it’s going down any time soon. It’s one of the most popular appliances in the world. Such a commodity will obviously be subject to scams.
As smartphone technology advances, smartphone frauds are becoming a nuisance. The victims of these frauds might lose anything from a few pounds to their entire life savings. As we become increasingly reliant on these gadgets in our everyday lives, it's critical to be aware of the many sorts of mobile scams and how to prevent them. In this article, we will highlight some of the biggest smartphone scams.
Fraudulent Subscriptions
When someone acquires access to your personal information and registers a mobile phone account in your name, this is known as identity theft. Before the victim even realises what is going on, the perpetrator might build up a big charge. It might take even longer to show that the victim did not open the account themselves once it has been detected. Any accumulated debts might take a long time to pay off.
To keep this from occurring to you, take the necessary precautions to protect your identity. This also applies to any of your personal information. Contact your mobile phone provider if you believe you've been a victim of subscriber fraud. Subscriber fraud costs mobile phone companies millions of dollars, according to the FCC.
Stolen Phones
In 2015, they were responsible for 442,000 thefts in the United Kingdom. A stolen or lost phone might be used to make illegal calls if it falls into the wrong hands. Criminals might also acquire access to personal data kept on the phone, such as bank account information, which could be used to make purchases using the phone.
To avoid losing or having your phone stolen, keep it in the same place on you every time you're out. Use a safe passcode to prevent the thief from accessing your information. Some smartphones come with an app that will assist you in locating your phone. You may download one if your smartphone doesn't come with one already loaded. If your phone is missing or is stolen, you may use the app to locate it. There are other programs that allow you to remotely delete all of the data on your phone while it is connected to the internet.
Cloning
When a thief acquires access to your mobile phone number and unique serial number, they may clone you. They use the data to program another phone with the same information. Any phone calls or data usage will be charged to your phone account.
There isn't much that can be done to avoid being singled out for attention. If someone phones you and asks for such information, make sure to ask for credentials and return phone numbers. Contact your network operator if you believe you have been a victim of mobile phone cloning. Your service provider may be able to help you in determining which calls were made by you and which by the cloned phone. Check with your phone's insurance company as well. It's possible that your insurance coverage will cover you.
Scams Via Text
These come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The scammer may send you a text message that appears to be from a friend, urging you to chat or contact them. You will be charged a high cost for each call if you answer the text message or contact them, and the rates will escalate by the second.
Another typical text scam is to imitate your bank sending you a text message. The notice will inform you that there has been fraudulent activity on your account and direct you to a website or phone number for further information. If you visit the website or contact the phone number, scammers can acquire access to your personal information and bank account details.
One-ring Scams
The con starts with a perplexing call from an unknown number that just rings once. The scammers anticipate you to call back when you see the missed call. You'll be charged a connection fee if you call back.
If you receive a call from an unknown number and it just rings once, don't call back!
Scams Involving Ransomware
fraudsters will hold your phone hostage until you pay a ransom. Your phone will stop, and a screen will display when you are exploring the web on it. Your phone will be frozen owing to a legal infraction, according to a notice that appears to be authentic. Before you may use your phone again, you must pay a "fine" that must be put into a debit account.
Recorded Message Scams
These are similar to one-ring frauds. Instead of a missed call, you'll get a voicemail directing you to call back for more information on a reward you've won. You'll be charged exorbitant fees when you call again, similar to one-ring scams, and the prize will almost probably be a lie.
Don't call back if you get a message asking you to call back to learn more about your reward.
Phone Insurance Scams
These usually occur after the purchase of a new mobile phone. Scammers will contact you, posing as representatives from the company where you purchased your phone. They'll then try to sell you insurance to cover the damage.
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