Mobile device scams - How can I tell?
Mobile phone & tablet scammers goals are to gain access to your mobile device to commit subscriber fraud, stolen or lost devices, text and ransom scams, steal unsecured devices, and stealing identities. Mobile device cybercrime is fast evolving and as prevalent as the devices are themselves.
What to look out for?
- Be wary of unfamiliar callers
- Text messages of an unknown origin, particularly that contain links
- Scams asking you to install an app from untrusted sites: These can come from the text, email, or social media.
- Physical security: making sure you treat your mobile device like your wallet and never leave it unattended.
What to do?
There are some basic steps that can be taken to reduce the Cybersecurity risks associated:
- Set a password, Personal Identification Number (PIN), passcode, gesture or fingerprint that must be entered to unlock the device. Don’t forget to put PINs on your SIM card, voicemail and also ensure the device is set to automatically lock.
- Use your device’s automatic update feature to install new application and operating system updates as soon as they are available.
- Ensure your device does not automatically connect to new WiFi networks without your confirmation. Ensure any new WiFi connections require a password and Use public Wi-Fi networks wisely – for example, don’t do your online banking using these networks. Learn how to protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi.
- Leave Bluetooth turned off or in undiscoverable mode (hidden) when you are not using it.
For more information about Mobile Device Cybersecurity hygiene please visit Protect yourself, Protect your stuff, Mobiles and Tablets