Mobile Phone Snatching Fraud

The theft of mobile phones is not a new phenomenon however SABRIC is seeing an emerging trend where mobile phones that are being snatched from owners, are affording criminals the opportunity to gain access to the victim’s personal and even confidential information which can then be used to commit crime. 
 
Mobile phones are a convenient way to stay connected. They enable easy access to family and friends, make it possible to access vast stores of online information and can provide hours of entertainment. Despite these benefits you must always remain vigilant because your mobile phone stores far more information than you may be aware of. This is even more applicable if you use your mobile device to do your banking. Remember, your phone is equal to a bank card and could even act as a gateway to your bank account 
 
“Personal information is a valuable commodity for criminals and because so much of it is on our phones, we need to take mobile security very seriously” says Susan Potgieter, Acting CEO of SABRIC.
 
There are a number of ways that criminals could access information stored on your mobile phone if it is stolen, to try and defraud you. One way is to literally access all open applications on your unlocked phone and view your sensitive data.  Another is to use social engineering to obtain your usernames and passwords stored in the cloud. Tactics used could be Vishing, where criminals call you and manipulate you into believing that they are from the bank to coerce you into revealing confidential information like PIN’s or passwords or Phishing where you are sent an email, which you believe to be from the bank or a legitimate service provider, which asks you to click on a link that requests your PIN’s or passwords. Once your password has been compromised on your snatched phone, all other credentials are available and may be exploited. In addition to social engineering, your credentials could also be compromised through shoulder surfing in public places such as restaurants.
 
In the event that your mobile phone is lost or stolen, borrow a phone and contact your bank immediately so that they can deactivate your banking app, block cards on other apps containing your bank card details and block your bank account. Make sure you always have your banks hotline number stored somewhere other than on your mobile phone. If you have activated the ‘Find My iPhone’ or ‘Find my Device’ facility from the web to locate or wipe your device, be aware that fraudsters may attempt to Vish or Phish you. If you receive an email or SMS after doing this, don’t click on any links as these are not safe.
 
“When a bank client’s mobile phone is stolen, they tend to focus on protecting their photos and social media profiles, however, their highest priority should be protecting their money.” concludes Potgieter.
 
To further protect yourself visit www.sabric.co.za.