As technology progresses day by day, it seems that new scams are being developed every day that target innocent people. One such recent scam that has drawn attention is “Text Hijacking” or “SMS Phishing.” Maya, a well-known Philippine financial application recently posted a piece of crucial information for their users regarding this scam and additional measures. So, what is text hijacking, and why is it so risky? We will address the entirety of Text Hijacking Scam Prevention in this step-by-step guide.
What is Text Hijacking?
Text hijacking is a form of Internet crime performed by intruders who intercept and alter information through text messages. It is especially critical when time-sensitive and sensitive information. A one-time password (which is quite common for confirming online transactions or user logins) is used. They are scam texts whereby fraudsters hijack these SMS and use them to abuse your accounts and drain your funds.
Why Should You Be Concerned About Text Hijacking?
Due to advancements in technology, it is no surprise that numerous individuals, both young and old. Use text messages for communication concerning personal, financial, or work issues. Receiving a failure notice from a scammer who has hijacked your SMS can result in identity fraud, unauthorized spending, and a plethora of other problems. That is a very real danger that can and will produce a significant impact if you are unaware of it.
How Does Text Hijacking Work?
Phishing or social engineering tactics are usually the first methods that cybercriminals undertake to gather a victim’s phone number and other personal information. Once they gather this data, various techniques are used to reach your messages or intercept your communications.
The most common and effective techniques are:
1. Scammers trick mobile providers into changing the number associated with a SIM card and replace it with one that is linked to their cell phone instead with SIM-swapping
2. Some malware varieties allow hackers to infiltrate text messages and other applications without the knowledge of the user
3. Networks are exploited by some scammers to be able to receive text messages without having the intended device.
Followed by step-by-step enhancement from common ATM hijacking techniques to text hijacking.
- Scammers fool people either through emails, messages or even on fake websites and obtain their personal details.
- They pick up the phone and call the mobile service provider, requesting a replacement SIM card.
- As a result, they intercept all your messages, including the ones where you receive any OTP or security codes.
- In most cases, these are used to unlock the bank accounts or social media accounts and another such account.
Signs and Symptoms of a Text Hijacking Attack
For your own safety, it’s very important that you are aware of the warning signs that suggest that you may have been targeted in a text hijacking attack, which could also be referred to as Spoof supports and the texts as Xiamen banking skimming. Take note for example:
- Loss of Service without Reason: It’s a bad sign if the phone which is usually in use all a sudden has lost service for no valid reasons, or if somebody’s number has changed without their knowledge; the number could be linked to a different SIM card.
- Suspicious Transactions: Attempt to remember the recent purchases made on both financial and social media accounts, which may be abnormal. These types of actions may be a sign that the person is no longer the owner of the accounts.
- Unexpected Security Codes: Other than activation of the account which most people don’t experience unless through some very sensitive maneuvers, or in this case, receiving codes. If that is the case, probably there is someone who is attempting to steal the account.
How to Eliminate Text Hijacking
As in most cases, prevention is better than cure. We will let you know how text hijacking can be avoided:
1. Activate 2FA
Two-factor authentication should be activated for all accounts where such an option is available. Basically, this function will provide you with some extra protection because even if scammers can hijack text messages, they will not be able to access your information easily.
2. Don’t Rely on SMS for OTPs
Do not depend completely on SMS for thermo currency OTP. It is recommended that you install an application like Google Authenticator on your device. These applications work offline and produce an OTP that cannot be transcended.
3. Observe your Phone’s Performance
Watch how your phone behaves and its activity. Once you reach 10% or lower and find that you are losing services, contact your mobile carrier to find out whether or not your SIM card has been hacked.
4. Do Not Share Your Details
Never give out unnecessary information to somebody you’ve simply met online, such as your phone number. Such information will be beneficial to a criminal who intends to hijack your texts, as they frequently do phone phishing or social engineering on such individuals.
5. Create and Utilize Unique Strong Passwords for your Accounts
Do not make your accounts a walkover by setting weak passwords. Weak passwords increase the chances of account manipulation by fraudsters even with a clear text interception.
Options Available To You If You Find Yourself To Have Been Text Hijacked:
Once you notice that you are a victim of text hijacking, it is wise to take action very quickly especially to attempt and reduce the extent of the damages. Here is what you can do:
1. Seek Help From Your Mobile Provider
You should call your mobile provider and explain the situation to him as soon as possible as there are chances of recovering the number and securing the account as well.
2. Change Passwords for Affected Accounts
Change the passwords of all the accuses that these scammers able to get access to. Usually, after scammers disable the account, supporters are able to activate it by changing the passwords.
3. Monitor Your Financial Accounts
You need to pay attention to your bank accounts, and credit cards including the statements you receive by mail. This report also should be completed by the financial organizations involved.
4. Report the Incident to Authorities
Apart from preventing other people from becoming victims of the same scam, it also enables agencies to crack down on scammers as well.
Maya’s Efforts to Educate Users about the Text Hijacking Practice
Having been rendered as a financial service provider, Maya knows how significant safety is. Recently, through their FYI, they have made efforts to make users aware of text hijacking and how they can protect themselves. Maya also encourages its users of the potential risks and offers means to help prevent any such situations.
Maya’s List of Safety Tips and Safety Measures
1. Learn About Dangerous Emails in Phishing: When receiving messages from unexpected sources, emails you were not expecting, or strange requests, you should skip them.
2. Be Mindful That There Are Mobile Applications On Your Smartphone And Keep Them Updated: The majority of such updates include bugs that are patched, especially security bugs.
3. Make Use of Maya’s In-App Authentication Features: There are additional security measures provided by Maya, such as account verification before any transactions are made.
The Role of Reading In Liberalization
Scams like text hijacking have come of age but not in a standstill setting. Just as we have witnessed these high technological advancements in the digital era. Updating one’s self as well as being observant is mostly the only way that one can avoid being so attacked. You should do routine checks for the updates if they were provided by your service providers or even follow up on the security of your accounts.
How Text Hijacking is Distinct From Other Scams
Text hijacking is particular in that it acts on and incorporates the SMS system. Other scams may involve phishing and malware as forms of attack to gain sensitive information. But not text hijacking as it targets text message interception. This is particularly troubling to those who use SMS for verification codes. Any security measures that employ SMS.
Conclusion
Text hijacking is one of the biggest risks existing in the current digital environment and there is a hope that you will not be a statistic victim by taking precautions. Maya emphasizes the reasons why cybersecurity awareness should be maintained as a norm in real life and virtual spaces. It is important to note that texting is prone to text hijacking even on a non-business level. Thus precautionary measures should be considered.
FAQs
- What is meant by text hijacking?
Text hijacking is a cybercrime whereby individuals spoof your phone and send you manipulative texts usually for manipulating your accounts.
- How do you stop text hijacking?
You can stop text hijacking by using two-step verification, requiring user verification to access sensitive features, comprehensively checking your cell phone activity, and not sharing any private details.
- What action should be taken if you think that your texts have been hijacked?
If you believe your SMS has been hijacked, contact your cell phone provider. Reset your passwords, and check your bank accounts regularly.
- How does Maya assist in preventing users from text hijacking?
She warns users of such hijacking and offers various security measures within the app to help prevent such breaches.
- Can text hijacking pose a problem in online transactions?
Yes, text hijacking can intercept OTPs sent to users to validate online transactions thereby compromising one’s financial accounts.
