Smartphones have made our lives easier as we can manage almost everything from banking, chatting, shopping, and even work at one place. But have you ever wondered if scammers can hack your phone? The short answer is yes.
But it’s not as simple as you might think. Let’s break it down in a casual way so you can protect yourself.
How Scammers Hack Your Phone?
Scammers use various tricks to get into your phone. Here are some common methods:
1. Phishing Attacks: In this, a scammer sends you a text or email with the name of a bank or delivery service to make it look authentic. This message generally clicks the link, which redirects you to the page where you are asked to enter details.
Once you add details, scammer get access to your sensitive information and use it for their benefit.
These messages generally look like this: “Your bank account has been temporarily locked. Click here to verify your identity.” The link takes you to a fake banking page designed to steal your login credentials.
2. Malware-Infested Apps: Scammers generally lure people by displaying ads or reaching out to them in person, promising high return investment schemes.
Once the user shows interest, they ask them to download apps or share links to shady websites that carry malware, giving hackers access to your phone.
3. Public Wi-Fi Traps: Have you ever used free wifi at the coffee shop or some other public areas?
Hackers make use of this opportunity and set up fake Wi-Fi networks to steal your data as soon as you connect.
4. Fake Tech Support Calls: If you receive calls saying, “Virus is detected on your phone”, be alert!
Scammers use this tactic to steal sensitive information from your device.
How to Know if Your Phone Has Been Hacked?
Whenever your phone gets infected with malware or a virus, it slows down, indicating that your device has been hacked.
Here are some of the signals that help you identify phone hacking scam:
- Phone battery draining more quickly: This indicates that malware runs in the background, consuming power.
- More data usage is reported: This signals that malware is sending data to hackers.
- Device performance issue: Your phone slows down, lags, or crashes frequently
- New apps displayed on the phone’s home screen: These could be spyware installed without your knowledge.
- You receive constant notifications or pop-ups: This could be a sign of adware or malware.
- Your microphone or indicator light turns on: This signals possible spyware monitoring your activity.
- You receive the 2FA code without request: A clear indication that someone may be trying to log into your accounts.
- You stop receiving calls or messages: This generally happens when your SIM is hijacked in a SIM swap scam.
- You get logged out of your Google or Apple ID: This is the biggest sign that a hacker has taken control of your account.
How to Protect Your Phone from Hackers?
Now, as discussed above, hackers can reach out to your phone device by any means, and therefore, it is important to be a bit more careful to protect your data from getting hacked.
Here are some of the ways to protect your phone from hackers:
- Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links
- Download Apps Only from Official Stores
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Use a VPN When Connecting to Public Networks
- Regularly Update Your Software
- Never Share Personal Info Over Calls or Messages
Conclusion
While scammers can try to hack your phone, they need your help to do it—whether by clicking a shady link or downloading a risky app. Stay alert and cautious, and your phone will be much safer.
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