A Warning On Identity Theft – Via Your Cell Phone

Posted on March 25, 2008 in Money Matters by little mochi

Just one of those forwards I received from a friend today regarding identity theft using your lost cell phone.  A very clever way of stealing your money so be careful:

This lady has changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile
phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag which contained her
mobile, Credit card, purse…etc…. Was stolen. 20 minutes later when
she called her Husband, from a pay phone telling him what had happened,
hubby says “I just received your text asking about our Pin number and I
replied a little while ago.”

When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the
money was already withdrawn. The pickpocket had actually used the stolen
cell phone to text “hubby” in the contact list and got hold of the pin
number.. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from the bank
account.

Moral of the lesson:

 

*       Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in
your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby,
sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc….
*       And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked thru
texts, CONFIRM by calling back.
*        Also, when you’re being texted by friends or family to meet
them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came
from them. If you don’t reach them, be very careful about going places
to meet “family and friends” who text you.
*       Texting puts a whole new meaning on vulnerability.

Feel free to pass this on…



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