SMS fraud is on the rise. Some time ago there were news with fake package announcements, now there is a new wave. At the moment an SMS message is allegedly circulating via voice email (often called a voice message or mailbox message).
If you miss a call and someone leaves a message, an SMS like this will actually be sent by the mobile operator in extreme cases. As a mobile phone owner, you are usually already familiar with such announcements. Fraudsters now use this to send fake SMS with a link. You need to click on this link to hear the alleged voice message (voice mail). And this is a dangerous place because clicking on it will not open the alleged voice message, but a fraudulent website. Various things can happen here now. For example, a new application may be downloaded to a damaged phone. However, automatic charging calls may also occur (accidentally from your mobile phone) or the app secretly sends messages to the full address book in the background.
Sometimes this scam comes via email, not via SMS on the smartphone. Because if you use email fraudsters can write a lot more easily and quickly. It’s no different to fraud: many people only see the announcement of a voicemail / voice message on the top of their cell phone, not even a text message, not even an email informing them about it. Even when using email, tapping / clicking on a link can lead to destruction. Like SMS, viewing email is not a problem. Only tapping the link starts disaster and brings problems.
What should I do?
Please, under any circumstances, tap the link in the SMS if you receive such a message. Delete such messages immediately. Reading a message is not a problem yet, tapping the link can cause damage to the phone. If you tap it and such application appears, please do not confirm downloading or installing any application. But something may have been installed without confirmation. If you are not sure, check recently installed apps and remove recently installed unknown apps. Fraudulent SMS can also block incoming numbers. This indirectly does not help as this SMS is sent from a different number almost every time. Creating “thicker skin” against such scams is the best way to deal with it. Going to the police is not even promising; If you do not tap the link, you are a real and complete victim of fraud. If the device has suffered financial damage, data theft or other damage, it should be reported to the authorities.
Avoid costs
To avoid costs, you can also enable the so-called third-party lock with your mobile phone provider. This prevents companies (or fraudsters) from debiting your mobile phone bill. This brings a certain protection against certain fraudulent practices.
In principle, it should be noted that the risk is significantly higher for those who use Android devices than for those who use the iPhone. Because with the iPhone, new apps simply cannot be downloaded and installed. On Android, this is more because installations other than the Play Store are possible here. Such installations do not go through the Play Store security restrictions, so may contain fraudulent program functions. The iPhone usually only allows installations from the App Store, there is no way around it. From a security standpoint, this is an advantage for the Apple world.
This post was contributed by our partner Levodo. More help on Computers, Internet and Scan be found on the martphone www.levato.de.
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Beatrice Ashford is a contributor at Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the world around them.