02.23.08
Privacy Issues on your cell Phone
We all know about not saying anything on your cell phone that you don’t want overheard, but, be careful how you list names in your cell phone contact list!
Susan changed the way she lists names on her cell phone after
her purse was stolen. Her purse contained her cell phone, Credit cards, checkbook, etc. Thirty minutes later, after finally locating a pay phone, she called her Husband, telling him what had happened. Hubby says “OH NO! I just received your text message asking about our Pin number and I already replied.”
When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them a thousand dollars (limit on their ATM card) had already been withdrawn. The pickpocket had actually used the stolen hand phone to text ‘hubby’ in
the contact list to get hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes the thief had withdrawn the money from the bank account.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 can’t reach them, think twice about going places to meet the unknown ‘family and friends’ who text you ..
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!