The rise of phone scams
In an increasingly digitized world, phone scams have adapted and evolved, becoming one of the most worrying risks for users. Recently, a new type of hoax has emerged that has raised alarms among the authorities and telecommunications companies.
The new hoax: the false promise of 5G
This new scam revolves around the installation of 5G technology. Scammers, disguised as employees of reputable phone companies, make calls that appear to be legitimate. In these conversations, they inform the victims about an alleged need to update the system to maintain the quality of service.
The mechanism of the scam
Scammers argue that the transition to 5G is imperative, even threatening to lose service if the switch is not accepted. Once they gain the victim’s trust, they request personal and financial data under the pretext of validating the account or covering installation costs.
Many users have reported that they have been required to make immediate payments for a ‘new computer’ or for a ‘technical visit’. However, the real intention of scammers is to take advantage of this information to commit fraud.
User testimonials
“We were warned that if we did not accept the change, we would experience a decrease in the quality of the current 4G service. We were also told that the change would cost 500 euros, so I decided to hang up and find out more in a store” , reports one of the affected victims.
Strategies to avoid falling into deception
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it’s crucial to stay alert and follow some essential recommendations.
Safety tips
– Keep your personal information safe: no legitimate company will ask you for sensitive details like account numbers or passwords over the phone.
– Be wary of requests for immediate payment: if you are asked to pay for upgrades or new equipment, be cautious.
– Always verify the origin of the call: if you have doubts, hang up and contact the company directly to confirm the authenticity of the call.
– Report fraud to the authorities and your phone company: this helps improve security and protect other users.
A future with more awareness
With phone scams on the rise, it is essential that users are educated and informed. Awareness of these tactics is the best defense against vulnerability in an increasingly connected world.