Turn Off This Phone Setting To Protect Your Phone From Scammers – A new kind of phone scam is making headlines. Security experts are warning smartphone users about a new type of cyber fraud that’s been spreading fast. The Civil Guard has reported that this scam first appeared in Spain and involves criminals using fake antennas to intercept mobile connections.
The technology behind the scam
At the heart of this scheme are small, portable devices called “stingrays.” These gadgets act like fake mobile towers, tricking nearby phones into connecting to them instead of legitimate network antennas. Once connected, your phone becomes an easy target for cybercriminals.
Why is this a big risk
Here’s where it gets dangerous. When your phone links up with one of these fake antennas, the attackers can force it to use 2G networks. Unlike 4G or 5G, 2G is very old technology with almost no encryption or security. That means hackers can easily see or tamper with data sent over these connections.
How scammers take advantage of it
Once they’ve got your phone on their fake network, the criminals send out text messages that look completely legitimate. These fraudulent SMS messages often appear to come from trusted sources, like your bank or a government agency, making them easy to fall for.
Why is it so tricky to spot
Because these messages come through what appears to be a normal carrier connection, most phones and security systems don’t flag them as suspicious. This allows them to sneak past spam filters and other protective tools without being noticed.
The easy way to protect your phone from scammers
Experts say the simplest way to prevent this kind of attack is to disable 2G on your phone. Doing so stops your device from connecting to these weak and unsafe networks altogether.
To turn off 2G on Android, go to Settings, open Networks and Internet, and select SIM. Find the option “Allow 2G” and switch it off. Don’t worry – it won’t affect your normal 4G or 5G service at all.
Why this small change matters
Turning off 2G may seem like a minor step, but it blocks one of the easiest routes cybercriminals use to reach your device. It’s a quick, simple way to keep your personal information safer.
How common are these tools?
Unfortunately, the stingray devices used for these scams are easy to buy online and don’t require much technical knowledge to operate. That makes it even more important for smartphone users to take precautions.
Stay safe and alert
In addition to disabling 2G, make sure your phone software is always up to date, and be cautious about any unexpected or suspicious text messages. A few small steps can go a long way toward keeping your phone secure and protecting your data from scammers.
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