With Black Friday approaching, cell phone fraud apps are on the rise. No matter how careful we are, scammers improved their techniquethis requires more and more attention.
The correction is on the rise, making it difficult in many cases to guarantee that we are dealing with a genuine offer or message. However, it is possible to detect any scam with a double dose of maintenance.
With that in mind, we’ve broken down the main smartphone scams, detailed how they work, and tips on how to avoid them. Payment.
1 – PIX pulse
The creation of PIX has made life and financial transactions much easier for individuals and companies alike. However, this was accompanied by scams on smartphones.
It has become a preferred target for criminals as it can be processed 24×7 and within seconds. In general, the PIX coup involves the offender impersonating a family member, friend, or acquaintance.
This method uses a cloned or non-cloned WhatsApp account. The scammer says he needs some value, claiming that there is a situation that prevents some accounts from being paid.
Therefore, he immediately asks for the money to be “borrowed” and asks the person to perform the PIX transfer, committing to change it as soon as possible. This is the most traditional approach, but there are other approaches that involve financial institutions.
But after all, how to avoid the PIX bump?
To avoid falling victim to PIX scams, it is important not to provide data to unknown persons or websites. If someone you know asks for money via text, it is important to confirm with the person in other wayspreferably by voice or voice call
In addition, experts warn about the importance of not registering PIX keys outside of official platforms and banks. So, keep an eye on the tool and take double care.
2 – WhatsApp cloning
WhatsApp cloning isn’t one of the latest cell phone scams, but it has pretty devastating potential. In this method, criminals gain access to the user’s messaging app account using the opportunity to send messages to the known list.
The two most common ways to clone your account are: clicking on suspicious links received via SMS or email; Respond to the offender’s communication by pretending to be a company requesting a code received via SMS.
Cloning is one of the most destructive methods of cell phone scams because they lose access to their contact number during the crime, which prevents them from reporting to their contact list that they are the victim of the scam.
How to avoid cloning of WhatsApp?
Enforcing the privacy of your WhatsApp information is one of the most effective ways to clone your WhatsApp account. It’s a good mechanism to limit profile picture viewing to people only.
Another recommended protection is enabling two-step verification, which allows you to save a PIN – you will be prompted every time you try to activate your account on another device.
3 – Promotion scam or sweepstakes
Promotion/giveaway scams are very characteristic of Black Friday. Scammers impersonate brands/companies, falsely advertising promotions to be activated via a link.
It’s common for this link to be redirected to a website where personal and bank information will be requested, not to mention the risk of installing apps that steal data from the victim’s cell phone.
How to avoid promotion/gifts scam?
Take extra care on commemorative or promotional times like Black Friday.
Avoid clicking links received via SMS or email. If you see a promotion using the name of a famous store, open a browser tab and go directly to the website to confirm the promotion.
It is worth checking the social networks of stores, which are often verified by companies. Finally, beware of unrealistic payment terms and prices, they are often a scam!
4 – Rogue apps
Rogue apps are used as weapons for smartphone fraud. They are used to install malware, disguised programs whose purpose is to steal personal data.
There are scam apps that even use the visual identity of social networks like Twitter, tricking the user into installing them on their smartphone.
How to avoid installing rogue apps?
In order not to fall victim to smartphone scams, the first rule of thumb with installing questionable programs is to add applications only from the official store of your mobile.
When it comes to smartphones with Android system, attention should be more. Prefer to install an antiviruscan keep track of what is installed on the mobile phone. Recent data shows that 97% of fraudulent applications are produced for this operating system.
5 – SMS message
SMS scams may seem like a thing of the past, but as current as ever. They can be disguised as official messages from government agencies or cell phone operators.
It is scams that tend to target certain sectors more, such as those who benefit from smartphone scams and social programs. They contain messages claiming to be interested in FGTS or Emergency Assistance.
Victims have often stolen data to apply for loans, create credit cards, and other types of fraud.
How to avoid falling into SMS message scam?
Avoid clicking links received via SMS messages. As for social programs, check the information on the official website of the agency and in media.
Never give your data to someone you don’t know, even if they claim to be a representative of a company. And whenever you are in doubt, go ahead!
Did you find the content descriptive? So, keep an eye on it Technology World for more articles like this!
Source: Tec Mundo
