Hackers invade cell phone
POSTED: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Hawaii residents apparently are falling victim to a scam triggered simply by answering their mobile phones.
Callers then hack into mobile phones and use the phone number to make long-distance calls and possibly gain access to other information.
“;It's crazy. ... Now, with all these smart phones ... everybody has to be careful,”; said Hawaii Kai resident Kaulana Chang.
Chang has one piece of advice after his experience: Use caller identification and don't answer unless you know the telephone number of the caller.
PROTECT YOURSELFThe Federal Trade Commission said to minimize risk of identity theft:
» Be wary of where you put your personal information, including your Social Security number, mother's maiden name, account numbers and other identifying information.
» Before you share any personal information, confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Check an organization's Web site by typing its URL in the address line rather than cutting and pasting it. Many companies post scam alerts when their name is used improperly. Or call customer service using the number listed on your account statement or in the telephone book.
Federal Trade Commission
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Chang, 30, said he apparently answered a call on his BlackBerry from someone with a number in the 866 area code, which is normally set aside for toll-free numbers.
The caller was able to use a computer program to obtain enough information to use his phone number and charge $5,000 worth of international calls to his account.
Chang said luckily, his cell phone carrier, Sprint, was understanding and canceled the charges.
He said the illegal charges accumulated over a six-month period, and he notified Sprint of them.
Chang, who works as an event coordinator and magician, said that four or five times, he was unable to use his mobile phone when hackers were using it, and he lost business.
“;It's not just me. I've had some people ... tell me stories,”; he said.
Cybercrime specialist Chris Duque, who worked for the Honolulu Police Department for nearly 30 years, said the scam has been happening for several years.
Duque said the 866 area code caller used a computer program to gather information to make third-party calls using Chang's number.
“;It's pretty common,”; Duque said.
He said the scam usually originates in a foreign country, making capture and prosecution difficult.
Duque said these kinds of scams financially affect communications companies.
“;The industry is taking a hit,”; he said. “;It goes into the millions of dollars.”;
Duque said if you don't recognize who the caller is, don't respond.
“;Personally, I don't answer calls if I don't recognize the number,”; he said.
Duque said he waits for callers to leave a message, and if he doesn't recognize them, he doesn't call back.
“;You've got to be in control,”; he said. “;You don't let the caller be in control.”;
He said phone users should be especially suspicious about numbers with the area codes 800, 888, 866 and 900.
