According to a recent report, fraud from mobile browsers and apps contributed to 73% of total fraud transactions in the third quarter of 2018. Here are easy tips that will help you avoid fraudsters.
Easy tips to avoid SMS fraudsters(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Harish Chander, a 52-year-old businessman from Gurugram, allegedly lost Rs 60,000from his black account after he downloaded an application
from a link sent on SMS. He also reported that OTPs sent to his number were
automatically redirected to a different number.
If true, this will not be the
first time fraudsters have tried to access private data of users through
malicious links shared via text messages and even WhatsApp.
According to a recent RSA
report, fraud from mobile browsers and apps contributed to 73% of total fraud
transactions in the third quarter of 2018. Fraud from mobile apps increased by
27%. The report also pointed out that India is amongst the top phishing hosting
countries second only to the United States.
To ensure your private data
remains secure, don’t click on malicious links shared on SMS or WhatsApp. Most
of these links contain malware and adware that makes it easier for criminals
and fraudsters to hijack your phone and even lead to online theft like
Chander’s case.
Here are some easy tips and
tricks that will help you keep fraudsters at bay.
Never click on links that
seek details about your debit card, credit card or income tax for this
instance. Also, not just text messages, be wary of such links sent on WhatsApp
or emails. If you receive any suspicious message regarding your bank account,
call up the respective bank immediately and make a query of the same.
Download applications from
the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store only. Turn off settings that
allow the apps to be downloaded from untrusted sources, bypassing the official
app stores.
Use security applications
from Avast, Kaspersky, and Quick Heal to keep a tab on the apps downloaded on
your phone. Check what access these apps have on your phone. For instance, a
Torch app does not need access to your contacts or SMS.
You can also make sure your
Google account is safe by running a ‘Security Check.’
Use Have I been pwned?website to check whether your email
account is safe or not. The website also allows you to check security of your
passwords as well.
Use two-step verification
tool for your crucial accounts including Facebook, Gmail, and WhatsApp.
Use strong passwords. You may
also consider using password management tools like LastPass.
Use a strong and unique
password for screen lock and in-app lock on your phone.
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