There is an easy method to check if our phone is secure and not being eavesdropped. Just enter a code on the phone, it’s free.
Smartphones, which have become an integral part of our daily lives, are increasingly the target of attacks by cybercriminals. Many seek to access sensitive data which may include not only our private information but also the eavesdropping and redirection of our calls. However, there is an easy way to check if our phone is safe and not prone to such actions.
Indeed, one of the common techniques of scammers is to redirect calls and SMS arriving on our number are redirected to another number. For what ? This allows them to collect information about a specific person. For example, if your bank sends you a verification code by SMS, the SMS will be automatically redirected to the hacker.
To check if such a redirect is in place, it is very simple. Open your phone as if you were going to make a call but instead of the phone number, enter the code *#21# and select the call button. This function is free, works on all phones, with all operators.
After activation, you will receive information about the possible redirection of calls, SMS, data, etc. If everything is correct, the message should say “not redirected”, as in the photo below. Otherwise, the phone number to which calls are redirected will be displayed.
This method can be extremely useful, especially with the increase in so-called “remote desktop” scams. In this scenario, scammers try to trick their potential victims into installing malware, for example by posing as a bank employee. How do scammers work?
The modus operandi of scammers is generally similar. The victim first receives a call from a supposed account executive who informs them that someone has tried to access their bank account. If she doesn’t take action immediately, she could lose all of her savings. The account manager then offers to help by installing special software. This is exactly what scammers expect. Downloading it gives them access to data stored on the computer or smartphone – contact list, notes, banking and social media login credentials, as well as the ability to redirect calls.