The mobile button you should turn off now to avoid phone scams
Why you should turn off bluetooth if you’re not using it?
Phone threats are on the rise, and one of the most common threats is bluesnarfing. The National Police have warned through their social media that keeping bluetooth on at all times poses a significant risk. Cybercriminals only need to be about 10 or 15 meters away to access your device. Once connected, they can steal data such as emails, messages, and even personal files.
The objective of these attacks is to obtain sensitive information to later sell it on the dark web or use it for fraud or extortion. That’s why the authorities’ recommendations are clear:
- Regularly update your device software.
- Turn on bluetooth only when needed.
- Reject any connection request from unknown devices.
These simple precautions can save you from a lot of headaches and keep your device safe.
Five common phone scams you should know about
Having bluetooth on is not the only risk. There are other very common phone scams that can also compromise your security. Here are the five most common ones to watch out for.
This scam uses the name of Correos to deceive users. Through an SMS or email, it informs about a supposed problem with a package delivery, requesting personal information or a customs payment. The message includes a fake link that pretends to be the official Correos page, but its real goal is to steal your banking information.
This scam uses the name of the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) to scare users with a pending fine. The message claims that the amount can increase or even take the case to court if not paid immediately. The included link is also fake and aims to obtain banking information.
A supposed bank operator contacts you to inform you of an issue with your account. With the excuse of fixing the problem, they try to get your , PIN codes, or access data. Remember that banks never ask for confidential information over the phone.
Scammers pretend to be human resources managers and contact people looking for employment. They use names of well-known companies and offer immediate interviews or hiring, but in reality, they are after personal or financial data.
This type of scam, known as vishing, involves calls from alleged operators of telephone companies informing about technical issues or service improvements. The ultimate goal is to collect the user’s personal or financial data.
How to avoid falling for phone scams?
Although no measure is foolproof, there are effective ways to reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams:
- Do not open suspicious links and always verify that the URL is the official one of the company.
- Be wary of calls or messages asking for confidential information.
- If in doubt, contact the supposed entity directly to confirm the information.
Stay alert and follow these recommendations to avoid falling into the traps circulating by phone. Your security is in your hands.
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