Have you ever received an unknown message or call that you were unsure about? With the advent of smartphones, thieves are adept at discovering ways to gain access to our personal information—sometimes using just an unanswered phone call. If you think that you're safe because you don't get calls from unknown numbers, think twice. Scammers are using sophisticated techniques to breach the phone's defenses and get access to your accounts with financial information. Knowing how to protect your phone isn't just crucial—it could also help you save thousands of dollars.
The New Face of Phone Scams
The days of simple emails that contained phishing messages are long gone. These days, frauds on phones make use of fake caller IDs, fake voice messages, as well as text messages, to lure people into divulging personal information. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in 2023, Americans lost over $10 billion to scams of all kinds and frauds, with phone scams leading the group. A single phone call can be enough to get access to your bank accounts.
How Calls Can Become Costly
Think it's safe to end the conversation? This isn't always enough. Criminals may use SIM swapping and social engineering to get around basic security measures. They can use your phone number to impersonate or contact your carrier and in extreme circumstances—transfer your phone number. They're now receiving your text messages and two-factor authentication codes and have access to everything that is tied to the number you've provided. It all begins with an unanswered call, so having stronger security measures in place is essential.
The Hidden Feature You Need to Activate
What if your phone has features that make the difference? Both Android and iOS have a setting called call blocking or fraud protection (names can differ based on the brand). When it's turned on, this technology blocks calls that are suspicious and stops criminals from making risky modifications to your account remotely. A mere 20 percent of people are willing to turn it on, but doing so can immediately boost the security of your account.
- Open the settings app of your phone.
- Look for the section labeled "Security" or "Phone"
- Find options such as "Call barring," "Fraud protection" or "Block suspicious calls"
- Follow the instructions to activate this life-saving barrier.
Simple steps such as the ability to enable call barring can safeguard against more than 80 percent of all common phone-based attacks, as per recent cybersecurity research.
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Recommended For YouWhat Else You Can Do
The security of your smartphone is more than a single device or set of settings. It's about developing habits that keep you safe from the threat of the next fraud. Make sure you use two-factor authentication for your bank accounts and payment applications, and create strong, unique passwords. Keep your operating system up to date and update applications regularly—these small updates can fill in big security holes. Don't forget that sharing your phone number less publicly makes it less likely for scammers to target you.
Checklist: The Everyday Habits to Secure Your Phone
- Check your phone's security settings every couple of months.
- Be wary of messages and calls from unknown numbers.
- Don't divulge sensitive information unless you're certain of the person asking.
- Utilize biometric login tools or strong passcodes.
- Enable fraud protection settings available on your device.
Last Thoughts: Staying Ahead of Scammers
Security on phones may seem complicated—however, the key is consistency. Every time I speak to relatives or friends, I'm amazed by how many don't alter their settings, believing that scams are only a problem for others. However, with the escalating rise in scams via cell phones and criminals targeting users of mobile banking, there is no one who is safe. Just one secure setting could make a big difference. Seeing your accounts secure is well worth the effort.
Are you seeking real-time answers to how to safeguard your account from phone scams? Begin with these easy steps to outwit the latest threats in the world today.
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