Scams are on the Rise!
In early February, researchers identified a 500% increase in attempted mobile malware attacks affecting Apple and Android smartphones.  Typically, the cybercriminals behind these attacks have a common goal to achieve: stealing confidential information from the users. These include bank account details, email addresses, passwords, and usernames.

Scams are typically represented as fraudulent missed delivery notifications and fraudulent COVID-19 pandemic alerts.
Victims are then deceived to clicking malicious links that, if clicked, direct them to phishing websites to steal sensitive information such as login credentials and financial information.

What Should You Do?

First, dial #662# to activate free Scam Block on your device and you will never see another ‘Scam Likely’ call again.  If you happen to receive what you think is a suspicious text, you can forward it to the shortcode 7726 (which spells “SPAM”). You’ll then receive an automated message from your wireless carrier, asking you then to enter the phone number from which the spam text was sent.  This will remove the suspicious text on your device.

As always, we recommend being extra vigilant when it comes to reviewing emails and texts, especially Android users.  Be skeptical of mobile messages that come from unknown sources. And, never click on links in text messages, no matter how realistic they look.

If you need to validate a link, do so directly through the vendor website and always manually enter the web address/URL. For offer codes, type them directly into the site as well. It’s also vital that you don’t respond to strange texts or texts from unknown sources. Doing so will often confirm you’re a real person to future scammers.

Have questions?  Contact a Member of the BMT Team.  We can provide additional details on how to better protect yourself!