GOOGLE has warned all Android phone owners about a devastating text message that “aims to maximise financial loss”.
But the warning really applies to anyone online – iPhone owners included.
Google recently published its Behind The Screens report detailing the serious threat of text-based scams on Android phones.
‘BAIT AND WAIT’
And one of the most common types of highly effective scam texts is called the “bait and wait”.
Commonly, it begins with a simple question like “Do you remember me?”, which might not sound nefarious – but it’s especially important that you don’t fall for it.
“Every scam begins with unexpected contact,” Google explained.
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“This is a slow, calculated, human-operated approach that relies on building a false relationship with a single person over time,”
“Instead of malicious links, the attack often begins with a simple, harmless-looking message like ‘Hello’ or ‘Do you remember me?’.
“The message has no immediate red flags as the scammer’s only initial goal is to get a reply and begin a conversation to initiate the next step.”
This part of the scam is called The Initial Contact.
And though Google says that the nature of the initial hook can vary, ultimately the scam will progress in roughly the same way.
PHASE TWO
Typically that means moving to phase two of the attack, which is called The Manipulation Tactic.
“Once you’re engaged, the scammer’s manipulation tactic diverges,” Google noted.
“From here, the scammer focuses on slowly building trust.
“The scammer engages you in a longer conversation, pretending to be a recruiter or old friend.
“They may even include personal details gathered from public websites like your name or job title, all designed to build trust.
“They use social engineering to methodically build a relationship before asking for anything.”
The length of time that it takes to manipulate a victim can vary.
But if you’re a prime target, a committed cybercriminal could spend weeks or even months gaming you.
Though they may attempt to get the job done very quickly – possibly in a matter of minutes or hours.
GOOGLE’S ‘GOLDEN RULES’ FOR AVOIDING SCAMS
Here are the official Google “golden rules” to stay safe from scams…
#1 – Slow it down
Scams are often designed to create a sense of urgency. Take time to ask questions and think it through.
#2 – Spot check
Do your research to double check the details you are getting. Does what they’re telling you make sense?
#3 – Stop! Don’t send
No reputable person or agency will ever demand payment or your personal information on the spot.
Picture Credit: Google / The Sun
‘THE ENDGAME’
In any case, once the crook thinks that you’ve been successfully hoodwinked, they’ll then move to the third phase of the attack: The Endgame.
“The final goal is to steal your information or money,” Google warned.
“The tactics are more patient, aiming to maximise financial loss over time.
“Scammers often lure victims onto a third-party app to evade security and monitoring, a hallmark of ‘pig butchering’ scams.
“After building significant trust, they leverage the emotional connection to make an urgent request for money or sensitive financial information.
“The endgame is to manipulate the victim into sending as much as possible before the scammer disappears.”
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Google added: “The goal is always to cause financial loss.”
The company said that a simple defence is learning to recognise the distinct signs of a slow-moving Bait and Wait scam, which will allow you to skirt danger.
