You likely keep your phone close to you at all times and keep your phone charged in case an emergency occurs. Even if you think you are knowledgeable about scams and hacks, there are some common scams that people just like you wall for every day.
Cloning
Cloning of cell phones happens more often than you might think and isn’t something that only occurs on television shows. This simple process lets someone create a cloned version of your cell phone number and rack up high bills that later appear on your bill. Once a hacker has a closed version of your number, the individual can call all around the world, download lots of data and even use your phone as a WiFi hot spot. If you think someone cloned your phone, contact your provider as soon as possible.
False Texts
When you own a smartphone, you often gets texts from numbers you might recognize. Some of those texts claim to be from your favorite stores and promise that you can get big discounts and win prizes by clicking the links in those texts. You wouldn’t click a link you didn’t recognize in your email inbox, and you shouldn’t click a link you don’t recognize in your text messages either. Some of those links will download malware or spyware on your phone, and other links may automatically enroll you in programs that add hundreds to your cell phone bill.
Provider Scams
A popular scam making its way around the world today is the provider scam. You receive a call from someone claiming that he or she is from your cell phone provider and that you can get a lower price on your bill. These scammers actually work for other companies that may provide lower costs but usually offer fewer services and/or some hidden fees. If you agree to make the change the person suggests, you might lose your current plan. Industry experts like Ehsan Bayat afghan wireless executive frequently warn customers about making any changes to their plans without contacting their providers first.
Ringtone Packages
Most phones today come packaged with several ringtones that you can use, and you can download additional tones online and from your provider. A common scam is something called a ringtone package. You might get a text message on your phone or see a website that promises you can get dozens of songs to use as ringtones for a low fee or for free. Downloading one of those packages to your phone actually enrolls you in a plan that charges you $9.99 or more each month. You may not even know you enrolled until you get your next bill.
One Ring
The newest scam is something called the one ring scam. Someone calls your phone and hangs up after one ring and before you can answer. When you call the number back, it connects you to hotline that charges your phone a high fee for each minute that you remain on the line. Scammers often use spoof or cloned numbers that make it seem like you called a local number, but you actually call a number in another country. When using your phone, make sure you stay informed about common scams that can cost you hundreds.