'Steal your money and infect your device,' experts warn of 'pretext' message targeting Android and iPhone users

ANDROID and iPhone users should be wary of “pretext” scams that aim to cheat them out of their money and steal their information.

Using pretenses, scammers trick their unsuspecting victims into disclosing private information or sending money.

In “pretext” scams, cybercriminals psychologically manipulate their victims into disclosing personal information or sending money.Credits: Getty

This system relies on what is called social engineering: the use of psychological manipulation to gain access to systems or information.

Many scams often target people who are less digitally savvy, such as the elderly.

In one of the most well-known schemes, a cybercriminal poses as a representative of a technology company.

The scammer will request remote access to your computer to resolve a problem, often asking you to install applications on your device.

Once access is granted, these criminals can modify your device or hack your accounts. The latter is even easier if you have autofill passwords set up.

In another type of scam, a criminal will create a profile on a dating site and gain your trust over time before suddenly asking you out. money.

This system – called “catfishing” after the 2010 elections documentary – often sees scammers using photos of other people to fabricate an identity.

Your partner may claim that they are unable to participate in a voice call or video chat, which could be a sign that they are not who they say they are.

Cybercriminals can also pose as government employees and demand money or personal data.

In the United States, these scams typically come in the form of IRS scams, with criminals claiming you are behind on your taxes and threatening legal action.

‘Don’t answer’: iPhone and Android owners warned of common signs you’re being scammed by a phone that will drain your bank account

Likewise, Social Security scammers will say there is a problem with your account and demand your information to resolve it.

It is important to remember that government agencies will typically communicate with you by mail before contacting you online, unless you have contacted them first.

Job scams can come in the form of an unsolicited text message or email. The sender will pretend to be a hiring manager who “found your information online” or “was referred” by someone you know.

Be wary if the company immediately asks for your Social Security number or banking information before making you an offer.

You should check if the company has a bad reputation online, including complaints from other potential victims.

While “tech scams” and IRS scams are commonplace, criminals are also using new technologies like AI text-to-speech tools to surprise their victims.Credits: Getty

Another type of scam is “vishing,” or voice phishing, where cybercriminals use artificial intelligence tools to replicate the voice of a loved one.

Scammers can even use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to assign phone numbers and make it appear as if they are calling from a legitimate number.

Posing as a friend or relative, the criminal will ask moneyclaiming that they have had an accident or are in danger and need money.

All a scammer needs is a video or audio clip from social media, which can be fed into AI tools that mimic human speech.

Although some scams are easier to spot, it’s best to exercise caution.

To protect yourself, never answer calls from unknown numbers and avoid clicking on unsolicited links or attachments, as they may contain malware.Credits: Getty

Unsolicited messages should be a red flag, especially if they contain grammatical and spelling errors.

If an offer seems too good to be true (for example, if you claim to have won a sweepstakes that you don’t remember entering), it probably is.

To protect yourself, never answer calls from an unknown number. If you answer a call from someone you suspect is legitimate but you begin to suspect the caller is a scammer, hang up and call the organization directly.

Never open unsolicited links or attachments. They will either lead you to a fake site asking you to enter personal information, which will then be stolen, or they will download malware onto your device.

Delete the message after reporting it as spam to your service provider.

How do scammers find my number?

Mackenzie Tatananni, a science and technology reporter for the US Sun, explains here how a scammer can get your information.

Scammers typically obtain phone numbers from data breaches, which occur when a hacker gains access to a private database — often those maintained by companies such as service providers and employers.

This information can be shared and disseminated online, including on the dark web, where there are forums dedicated to sharing leaked information.

Another common technique called “warddialing” uses an automated system that targets specific area codes.

A recorded message will ask the listener to enter sensitive information, such as a card number and PIN.

There’s also a much scarier possibility: your phone number could be listed online without your knowledge.

Data brokers are eager to buy and sell your information. These companies collect information from various public sources online, including social media and public records.

Their main goal is to create databases of people and use this information for personalized advertising and marketing.

Much of this information ends up on public records sites, which display information like your phone number, email address, home address, and date of birth for anyone to see.

In the United States, these sites are legally required to delete your information if you request it.

Locate your profile and follow the unsubscribe instructions, but be warned: these sites don’t make it easy and aim to discourage you from completing the unsubscribe process.

For convenience, you can also use a tool to purge your information from the internet.

Norton offers such a service. Called Privacy Monitor Assistant, this tool scans for information online and requests deletion on your behalf.

It’s also possible that your phone number is linked to a social media account and displayed publicly on your profile – this happens quite frequently with Facebook.

Be sure to check your privacy settings and confirm that this information is hidden from prying eyes.

As always, common sense is key. Do not disclose personal information without verifying the identity of the person you are speaking to.

It’s also important to be careful about what information you share online.

Goodbye your social networks profiles to see what information is public, such as contact details, birthdays, and addresses.

You should also check if any data brokers have listed your information online. These sites are legally required to remove it upon request.