One of the most concerning things about keeping up to date with the latest scams is the fact that there are always ne scams coming to the fore. There is also the fact that when people become used to new scams, old scams are wheeled out again. With people focusing their thoughts on not being scammed in new ways, they forget about staying safe in traditional ways. This means that while many people are well aware of the danger that can be caused by email and online scams, they perhaps take their eye off the ball with respect to telephone or traditional mail scams.
This is exactly the sort of outcome that scammers and fraudsters are looking for. This is why it is important to be aware of the latest type of mobile phone fraud. This style of crime involved fraudsters convincing users to visit a site that contains a code. This code then charges the user via their mobile phone. This may sound as though it is a bit incredulous but the improving capabilities of technology means that this sort of crime is now possible. The advancing capabilities of smartphones also mean that it is possible for con-artists to carry out this sort of crime.
New Frauds are Appearing All the Time
This style of crime is referred to as a “direct to bill payment fraud” and the users are normally lured in with the promise of something of benefit. This is where pop-up adverts offering something of benefit or interest to users will be utilised before eventually landing the user onto the site. After this, the user will receive a text message informing them that they have been charged entry for accessing the website, with many people being charged £5 for entering one site.
As per usual, this style of activity was set up with good intentions. The predominant use of this style of technology was initiated to allow charities to take payment from willing participants in a simple and effective manner. When it comes to supporting a charity, many people would be more than happy to visit a website and then have a few pound added to their bill to support a good cause.
However, in this case, the user would be fully aware of what was happening and that they were going to be charged. In the case of the fraudulent activities, the user is very likely unaware of the charge that has been imposed on them. This is an activity that has been recognised as being used on an increasing basis and Malwarebytes, a security company, has found that a growing number of users are being caught out by this sort of activity.
Christopher Boyd is a malware intelligence analyst for the company and he released a statement, saying; “Victims may be convinced they have not even interacted with the page in terms of clicking on buttons, filling in forms or signing up to something.”
Experts Advise Against Clicking on Pop-Ups
It can be difficult to avoid this style of scam but the experts advise people to use a mobile ad blocking software and to ignore pop-up ads that appear on their mobile phone. With people using their mobile phone to access the internet on a more regular basis, it is perhaps understandable and expected that this sort of crime would become more common place. Anything which can involve payment in an easy fashion will inevitably be jumped on by criminals and fraudsters.
When it comes to placing these con-artists through the court process, it can be difficult when the technology and nature of crime is so new. It is important to view the fraud, as unique as it is, in a similar manner to other frauds. Even if a method of fraud is new, there is a strong chance that the motive or intent will be the same as something that people are already familiar with. This is the starting point for any defence solicitor when it comes to preparing a case for anyone involved with this style of crime.
As payment options for smartphones increase, it is likely that there will be an increasing number of frauds and criminal activities linked to these devices. This is why it is vital to focus on the activity and nature of the crime as opposed to focusing too much on the actual method.
Andrew Reilly is a freelance writer with a focus on news stories and consumer interest articles. He has been writing professionally for 9 years but has been writing for as long as he can care to remember. When Andrew isn’t sat behind a laptop or researching a story, he will be found watching a gig or a game of football.
