SMS Scam: Today's smartphone is no longer just a means of calling or chatting, but our banking, UPI payments, personal photos, important documents and identity related information are all safe in it.

Today's smartphones are no longer just a means for calls and chats; they also house our banking information, UPI payments, personal photos, important documents, and identity information. Therefore, if a fraudster gains access to your mobile, the loss isn't limited to money; your personal information could also be at risk.

Meanwhile, a new and extremely dangerous SMS fraud is spreading rapidly in the country. In this scam, criminals can set up fake mobile tower-like systems near you and send fake messages. The elderly and those who click on links without checking are particularly at risk.

Recently, people have been receiving messages pressuring them to take immediate action. Sometimes it's a warning about power outages, sometimes a notice about a bank KYC update, sometimes about a courier failure or the expiry of reward points. These messages appear so genuine that they're difficult to spot at first glance.

In this scam, criminals use a special device, commonly known as an SMS blaster or IMSI catcher. This device acts like a fake mobile tower. When activated, it sends a signal that is stronger than the real network nearby. As a result, your phone connects to the fake signal instead of the real tower. Mobile phones within a radius of about half a kilometer can be caught in this trap.

Criminals often switch phones from 4G or 5G to the older 2G network, as 2G is considered less secure. It's easier to conceal the sender's identity. This is why messages may appear to be coming from a bank, government department, or income tax office.

These messages are intended to instill fear or greed. Once a person opens the link, they are asked for an OTP, password, or bank details. A simple mistake can lead to a loss of funds within minutes.

There has been a sharp increase in such cases in recent years, and investigative agencies are constantly taking action. However, the strongest defense is your awareness. It's crucial to avoid unknown links, use only official apps or websites, and monitor your phone's network settings.

PC:ABPNews