As smartphone technology continues to evolve, it also paves the way for an increasing amount of mobile scams. Since everyone is working from home and all the data is stored in their phone, scammers are capitalizing on this opportunity. From fake apps and phishing to social media spams, mobile scams are rising and putting your data and devices at risk. It is important to be aware of the different types of mobile scams and how to avoid them.
1) Beware of Fake Apps
What is it?
There are tons of fake apps available on official app stores. It is difficult to differentiate them from the genuine ones. Fake apps typically are imposter apps that try to steal user data under the disguise of being a genuine app. Â
What can you do?
Do some research before downloading any app. Check for an official website of the app, check for grammatical errors or low quality app icons/screenshots, read the reviews available on the app stores and always download apps from official app stores only.Â
2) Smishing
What is it?
Smishing is nothing but SMS phishing. Smishing messages often urges you to reply to a number or click on a link that opens in your phone’s browser. These are likely to insert malware into your phones or alert the scammers that your number might be a good target for them.Â
What can you do?
Always use caution when clicking on links sent from an unknown number via SMS. Never reply to text messages from incomplete numbers or without verifying the sender of the message.Â
3) Vishing
What is it?
Vishing is also known as Voice Phishing. Oftentimes you might receive unsolicited calls asking you for your bank details, personal information or PIN number, of course these calls are fake and it’s just a scammer asking for your security details.
What can you do?
It is best to not interact with these calls at all. There are many apps offered by phone carriers that help to identify spam calls. You can block the spam numbers from those apps and minimize the phishing calls.
4) Social Media Spam
What is it?
If you’re on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you know it is filled with fake accounts with zero followers. They usually spam genuine users with phishing links. These links can harm your personal details or insert malware into your phones.
What can you do?
Never click on links sent by a stranger online. Block all the spam accounts who are trying to get in-touch with you. Make sure the account that you’re following is genuine. Report any fake comments that you receive on your posts.Â
5) One Ring Scams
What is it?
Here, the scammer will call you once and hang up after one ring, luring you into calling them back. These numbers can be high toll lines or international calls, and by calling them back you can end up paying a premium rate for a phone call.
What can you do?
Be smart about the actions you perform on your phone. Don’t return any calls from numbers you don’t recognize. Before calling back, check if the area code is local or international. If you do not make international calls, ask your phone company to block outgoing international calls on your line.
The first line of defence against cyber attacks is the user. Educate yourself on Mobile scams by utilizing the tips mentioned in this article. In addition, you can add an extra layer of protection to your phone which can help protect you against mobile scams.Â
How you ask? Get in touch with us and we can help you enhance the security of your employees’ smartphones so that your company data stays protected, always.Â
You can get in touch with us by simply filling up the contact form here.
Follow Trixter Cyber Solutions on LinkedIn for a weekly dose of useful cybersecurity updates and information.
