Here’s the step-by-step instructions on how to keep yourself safe from the Smishing
Scammers have devised a new and deceptive method to steal your money by hijacking your phone’s connection with fake cell towers. Curious about how to protect yourself? Google has identified these tactics and offers clear steps to safeguard your money.
We all get annoyed by spam texts, but what if those annoying messages were actually part of a scam aimed at draining your bank account? Google has discovered a new scam that uses text messages to try and steal your money.
The scam works by using a device that mimics a cell phone tower, tricking your phone into connecting to it instead of your usual network, like AT&T or Verizon. Once your phone is connected to this fake tower, scammers can send you fraudulent messages pretending to be from your bank or another trusted source.
These messages often contain urgent requests for personal information, such as “We need to confirm your password,” or they include links that, if clicked, can install harmful software on your phone or direct you to phishing sites designed to steal more of your personal data.
These devices, known as SMS Blasters, are easy to find and purchase online. They don’t require advanced technical skills to operate and can be quickly set up to mimic a specific carrier or network using a mobile app.
The scam is alarmingly effective. According to one company that sells SMS blasters, about 98% of the messages sent this way are opened and read by the intended audience.
How to Protect Yourself from SMS Blaster Scams
Google’s tech experts recommend a simple but effective way to protect yourself: disable the older 2G network on your phone. Most smartphones made after 2021 have this option, and turning off 2G can prevent these types of attacks. If you’re unsure how to do this, there are helpful YouTube tutorials available.
If your phone doesn’t allow you to disable 2G, make sure your Android operating system is up to date, as newer versions include additional security features that can help defend against these attacks.
Additional Security Tips
Beyond disabling 2G, it’s important to remain cautious whenever you receive a text message with a link, especially if the sender claims to be a well-known brand, your bank, or a credit card company. Google provides tools like Safe Browsing and Google Play Protect, which can help you spot and block suspicious websites and apps.
Your security is crucial, and Google is committed to helping you stay safe. “Android is committed to providing users with a safe and secure mobile experience. We are constantly working to improve our security features and protect users from phishing, fraud, and other threats,” the company’s fraud prevention team emphasized.
By staying informed and taking a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself from these sneaky scams and keep your personal information safe.
