HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
Cell phones make it easier for us to stay in touch, but they also make it easier for thieves to steal from you.
Scammers are using phones to trick you into giving them money more than ever.
If you have a phone number, you're at risk.
There are no shortage of these schemes, but there are several widespread ones currently happening across the country.
Jailhouse Jingles - An inmate calls collect from jail and tricks you into pressing *72, which activates call forwarding. They now have control of your phone, which allows them to make long-distance calls and rack up expensive fees.
Election Scam - The caller asks you to take a voter survey and tells you at the end you will get a free cruise. When the survey is over, they ask for a debit card or credit card number for port fees.
Utility Scam - The caller tells you President Obama has approved special funding to help you pay your utility bill. They ask you for your social security number, and then provide you with a fake bank routing number.
Text Message Identity Theft - The sender offers a free $1,000 Walmart gift card through a link in a text message. When you click on it, a web site comes up that requires personal information to be entered.
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