Here’s a step-by-step guide to protect yourself from fraud, spam, and harassment via calls, SMS, and malicious links:
📱 1. Block Fraudulent Calls and SMS
🔒 Use Built-In Phone Features
- Android:
- Go to Phone > Settings > Caller ID & Spam and turn on Filter spam calls.
- Use Google Messages to auto-detect and block spam SMS.
- iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.
- Use Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders.
🛡️ Install Trusted Anti-Spam Apps
- Truecaller (widely used for spam blocking)
- Hiya
- Calls Blacklist
- Should I Answer?
📧 2. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links
🔍 Red Flags in Scam Messages:
- “You won a prize!”
- “Urgent account update needed”
- “Click here to avoid penalty”
- Shortened links (like bit.ly) from unknown sources
✅ Check Before Clicking:
- Hover (or long-press) to preview the full URL.
- Visit the official website instead of clicking links.
- If in doubt, do not click—delete it.
🚫 3. Register with Do Not Disturb (DND) Services
In many countries, telecom providers allow you to block promotional or spam messages:
- India: SMS START 0 to 1909
- USA: Register at www.donotcall.gov
- UK: Register at TPS
- Others: Contact your telecom provider
👮♀️ 4. Report Harassment or Fraud
- Forward scam SMS to your local fraud hotline:
- USA: Forward to 7726 (SPAM)
- India: Forward to 1909
- Report on WhatsApp: Long-press > Tap “Report and Block”
- Contact police if you’re receiving repeated threats or serious harassment.
🔐 5. Strengthen Privacy Settings
- Don’t share your number online unless necessary.
- Avoid linking your number on social media profiles.
- Disable “Allow others to find me by phone number” in apps like Telegram or Instagram.
🧠 6. Stay Informed
- Regularly update your phone’s software.
- Learn about phishing, smishing, and vishing tactics.
- Educate family members (especially elderly or teens).
✅ Summary Checklist:
Task Status Enable call & SMS filtering on phone ✅ Install trusted anti-spam apps ✅ Register on DND lists ✅ Never click on unknown links ✅ Report spam to authorities ✅ Limit number sharing online ✅
If you share your country or telecom provider, I can give you more specific protection steps.
No Responses