Jim WinsettQ. I recently read that scammers are using malware to extort money from unsuspecting smartphone users. How does this work?
A. This is true, and this is how the scam works. You are surfing the web on your smartphone, when it suddenly freezes. A screen appears, saying that your phone "is locked due to the violation of the federal laws." The screen looks very official. It might use the name and insignia of a law enforcement agency. It may even cite the article numbers of laws that you were allegedly breaking.
You are scared and intimidated at this point, and you need your phone. According to the screen, you need to pay a fine in order to unlock your device. To do this, instructions tell you to purchase several hundred dollars on a prepaid debit card and enter the PIN. Of course, this "fine" is not really going to law enforcement. Once you hand over the information, scammers will drain the money from your pre-paid card and disappear.
Behind this scam is a type of malware typically known as "ransomware." Just like a computer virus, it can invade your smartphone if you click on a bad link or download an infected file. This scam has been infecting personal computers for a long time. Today as consumers rely more on smartphones to access the web, scammers are increasingly targeting mobile devices.
BBB tips to protect your mobile phone:
* Treat your phone as you would a computer. Protect your phone with a passcode, use virus protection software and be very careful what you download.
* Watch out for scams disguised as apps: Be sure to download apps through the official app store, stay clear of discontinued apps and make sure to read the user reviews.
* Keep security software current: Using the latest mobile security software, web browser and operating system are the best defenses against malware and other online threats.
* Be savvy about public Wi-Fi hotspots: Be careful how you use your phone when connected to public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is not the time to do your online banking. Also, adjust the security settings on your device to limit who can access your phone.
For more consumer tips and information, please visit www.BBB.org .
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau of Chattanooga.