The way most of us use our smartphones today means we’re always connected to the Internet and other people. However, it also means that we’re vulnerable to hackers and phishing scams more than ever before. According to Raghib Khan, co-founder of Phonato Studios, that’s exactly what’s happening with mobile app phishing scams right now. In an interview with us, Khan explained how these scams work and why they are increasing in popularity amongst cybercriminals across the world right now.
What Are Phishing Scams?
Phishing scams are fraudulent messages that pose as legitimate correspondence in an attempt to extract personal information or login credentials from unsuspecting victims. These messages often contain links to malicious websites or attachments that can infect your device with malware. Malware is software specifically designed to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems.
With so many apps and services available for download today, it’s very difficult for users to know what is safe and what is not! If you do have a need to download an app, make sure you always do a Google search first to see if there are any warnings about the app. A good rule of thumb is never to click on any links in emails if you want to learn more about something, just type it into Google yourself and bookmark the site that comes up. And lastly, to steer clear of scams, Raghib Khan points out that if someone asks for your personal information online. you shouldn’t ever give it out unless you absolutely trust them.
Most Common Apps Being Used As Bait
The most common apps being used to bait people in these scams are WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and LinkedIn. According to Phonato Studios’ Raghib Khan, people are falling for these scams because they’re being targeted through apps they trust. The scammers create fake versions of these apps and then use them to phish for personal information. So far, they’ve been successful in stealing login credentials, banking information, and even identity documents. And if that wasn’t enough, the scammer can sometimes take control of your phone or tablet remotely.
All this is done without you ever knowing about it until it’s too late. It’s a scary thing to think about, but there are things you can do to protect yourself from becoming a victim. As pointed out by Raghib Khan, one way to keep scammers at bay is to make sure that you don’t download any app that doesn’t come from an official store (either Google Play Store or Apple Store).
Another would be to make sure that when downloading an app, you read reviews before doing so – not just the reviews at the top. Some sites have lists of known scams, so be sure to check those out as well.
If you see something strange happening with your device, like someone logging into it who shouldn’t be able to, turn off Wi-Fi right away and contact someone who knows what they’re doing. Lastly, keep your devices up-to-date with security patches and bug fixes whenever possible.
Raghib Khan’s Tips To Avoid Phishing Scams
- Don’t click on links in emails or texts from unknown senders.
- If you’re unsure about an app, go to the company’s website directly to see if there is any news about a phishing scam.
- Don’t enter personal information into an app unless you are certain it is legitimate.
- Contact your financial institution immediately if you receive an email informing you that your account has been compromised by hackers.
- Keep your device software up-to-date so that attackers can’t use software vulnerabilities to infect your computer with malware designed for stealing sensitive data like credit card numbers and passwords.
- Don’t give out your personal information over the phone unless you know whom you are speaking with. Be wary of people who call pretending to be representatives of government agencies and banks. These scammers often ask for payment of taxes or utility bills by purchasing gift cards and then providing them with the number on the back of the card.
- Never provide passwords or account numbers via email.
- Never send money or give credit card or bank account information over email.
How Can You Tell If You’ve Been Hacked?
If you’ve been hacked, there are a few telltale signs. First, you may notice strange activity on your accounts or devices. Second, you may receive strange or unsolicited messages from people you don’t know.
Third, your personal information may be compromised. Fourth, you may find new programs or files on your devices that you didn’t install. Finally, hackers may try to extort money from you by threatening to release your personal information. That’s why it’s so important to protect yourself online with two-factor authentication and other best practices.
You can also report phishing scams and other suspicious emails or phone calls through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The IC3 provides guidance on how to identify and respond to these threats. A great place to start is their guide Protect Yourself From Tech Support Scams which walks users through what they should do if they suspect they have fallen victim to one of these fraud schemes.
To prevent being scammed, Raghib Khan encourages users to practice cyber safety habits such as being cautious about downloading apps and clicking links in emails. It’s our responsibility to educate ourselves and take precautions against identity theft, spamming, malware and more.
Conclusion
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting mobile app users with phishing scams, and businesses need to be aware of the threat. Phonato Studios’ Raghib Khan says that with more and more people using mobile apps for everything from banking to shopping to social media, criminals are finding new ways to exploit them. Businesses need to be vigilant about these threats and educate their employees on how to spot and avoid them.
There is a lot of interest in developing fake, fraudulent apps, said Mr. Raghib Khan, who added that those behind the schemes have been quick to find ways around new security features implemented by Apple and Google. But by being cautious, we can stay safe while navigating the world wide web.
