How to protect your Android from scams?

Avoiding phone scams is part of our digital life nowadays. However, some scams are not always obvious. That’s why it’s important to stay updated about new scams and learn how to spot them. This is because restoring a personal account once compromised may not be easy.

What are phone scams?

Today, cell phones are one of our most prized possessions and cybercriminals know this we always carry our cell phones with us and use them to access the most private information in our lives. Bank details, emails, and other sensitive data are linked to cell phones, making them a completely centralized target for identity theft and fraud, or for leaking personal information.

Common types of cell phone scams include:

• Cell phone virus scams.
• SMS phishing scams (Smishing)
• Voicemail scams (Vishing)
• One-time ringing scams

How to avoid cell phone scams?

Each scam has its own characteristics, but they often boil down to some common goals and methods. New types of scams appear all the time, so be prepared for the unexpected. To avoid this cell phone scam, you should be careful about what you are asked to do. You can also build better protection and stay safe throughout your digital life.

How to identify cell phone scams?

Scams of any kind are usually a play on your emotions and an effort to establish trust. Some emotional motivations behind scams may include the following:

Urgency or threats

may make you more willing to act quickly. If you feel fear or concern about the consequences of not acting, pause and ask questions. Anyone you trust will answer your questions and allow you to verify that their claims are real. Scammers will ratchet up the pressure. Common issues that compel urgency are debt, tax refunds, or federal crime allegations.

Empathy

asking for help for someone in need and feeling guilty about fighting back or questioning whether that is the real reason can be a red flag. Scammers may pose as members of charities and other social causes. They may try to get you to use recent natural disasters or other topical issues as part of the story.

Big promises

Make scammers willing to do anything for a reward. If you feel excited or hopeful about an offer, beware. For example, winning a contest or receiving a big discount on a vacation package.

With each scam, they motivate you to follow through with a request. These are the most common scam solicitations to watch out for:

• Paying money, especially cash or sometimes a gift card. In these cases, getting a refund is difficult.
• Giving information such as a bank account number, social security number, or online access.
• Visiting a website through a link to access an account or to receive more information.
• Downloading an application or file, such as an anti-virus application.

Tips for avoiding cell phone scams

Account notifications

Android phones with version 7.0 or later that receive notifications from your Google account can use the built-in security key for additional protection. When you or someone else tries to sign into your Google account, you will receive a notification on your phone asking you to verify your identity. We also recommend that you always perform regular security checks that can be accessed directly from your device’s settings. It provides personalized security tips for your account, reminds you to keep your passwords up to date, and tells you which devices you are currently signed in to and which apps have access to your data.