It seems like every second call on my mobile is a mobile phone scam, and it is especially concerning for those who are not as tech-savvy. In 2023, Australians reported a staggering $2.7 billion in losses due to scams, with mobile phone scams being the most prominent in this. I’ve come across various scams like phishing, smishing, and tech support fraud, which can cause considerable stress and financial loss. Let me share with you some of the common scams out there and how you can protect yourself using some great free apps.
Phishing scams involve fraudsters sending text messages or emails that look like they’re from legitimate companies. They’re trying to steal your personal information, like passwords and credit card numbers. Smishing is similar but uses text messages to trick you into clicking on malicious links or providing sensitive data. There’s also vishing, where scammers call you pretending to be from your bank or a government agency to get your personal information or money. Have you ever received a call that rings once and then hangs up? That’s the one-ring scam, trying to get you to call back a premium-rate number, costing you a lot.
Another one to watch out for is tech support fraud 😒, where someone pretends to be from a tech company like Microsoft or Apple, saying there’s a problem with your device. They want to access your device to steal information or install malware. Lottery and prize scams are also common – you get a message saying you’ve won a prize, but you have to pay a fee or provide personal information to claim it. Then there’s Wangiri fraud, where you get an international call that hangs up after one ring, and calling back costs a lot. Subscription traps trick you into subscribing to unwanted services, and the charges end up on your phone bill. SIM swap fraud is another serious one, where scammers get your personal info and convince your mobile carrier to transfer your number to a new SIM card, letting them access your accounts. Lastly, charity scams exploit your goodwill, especially after disasters, asking for donations that end up in the scammer’s pocket.
To protect yourself, here are the top four free apps can help identify and block scam callers rated based on their user reviews, effectiveness, features, and ease of use. Let me walk you through some of the best ones available here in Australia and on Android and iOS.
Truecaller is one of the most popular caller identification and spam-blocking apps globally. It has a massive database of spam numbers, making it very effective at identifying scam callers. The free version of Truecaller offers caller ID, spam blocking, community-based reporting, and SMS filtering. It’s straightforward to use, so even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can navigate it easily. Truecaller’s large user base means its database is constantly updated, providing robust protection against new scam numbers.
Hiya is another powerful app for identifying and blocking scam calls, offering real-time protection. The free version includes caller ID, call blocking, real-time updates, and automatic alerts based on community reports and known scam databases. Hiya’s intuitive interface makes it simple to understand and use, ensuring you’re always protected from the latest scam threats.
Mr. Number offers caller identification and spam-blocking services. The free version allows you to block unwanted calls and texts, identify unknown callers, and customize blocking options based on specific numbers or area codes. Its straightforward design and customization options make it particularly appealing, providing clear instructions and notifications for managing unwanted calls effectively.
Call Control uses community-based reporting to identify and block scam numbers. The free version includes a community-driven database, call blocking, and a “Do Not Disturb” mode that blocks all calls except those from your contact list. This mode is especially useful if you prefer to limit your calls to known contacts only. Call Control’s simple installation and setup process further enhance its accessibility.
By using these free apps, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to mobile phone scams. These tools offer robust caller identification, spam blocking, and community-driven reporting, ensuring you stay informed and protected against the latest scam threats. With these apps, you can be safe in the knowledge that the phone calls you are receiving are more likely to be legitimate, safeguarding your personal information and financial well-being.
As per usual, if you find you are having troubles you can always send us an email at info@hometechassist.com.au or phone us on 1300682817.