Your phone is way more valuable than just the amount someone could sell it for. (Though that’s a pretty enticing amount if you have a newer phone.)
Think about all the accounts connected to it: your bank and other financial apps, email inbox and private text messages containing who knows what.
That’s why I want you to know about a few ways criminals are getting their hands on people’s phones — and even the PIN code that protects all the info inside.
1. “I’ll take the pic for you!”
My friend Mary was on vacation in Rome with her 14-year-old daughter. They stopped to take selfies and a seemingly kind stranger — a man in his 30s — offered to take their picture. Mary punched in her PIN, handed the phone over and, yep, the supposed Good Samaritan snatched it and ran away.
2. “Let me give you my number.”
You’re out at a bar and strike up a conversation. The time comes to exchange numbers, and the person watches you tap in your PIN to send a text or open up your contacts. Then, BAM, your phone is swiped from your hands and they’re gone.
3. “Help! My phone died.”
Ah, the emergency ploy. Someone who’s clearly frazzled asks if they can quickly call a friend to pick them up because, oh no, their car won’t start. You unlock the phone, hand it over and it’s gone.
So, what the heck can you do?
Once someone gets your PIN, it’s all over. It’s easy for them to change it and lock you out of your account. Even if you have Find My to track it down, you can’t request help.
There are a few simple ways you can protect yourself.
- When you’re out in public, shield your PIN. If you really need to open your phone in front of people, use Face ID or your fingerprint.
- Don’t use an easy PIN. No four digits! Make it as long as you can remember.
- If you don’t want to use Face ID, use a passcode with numbers and letters if your phone allows it.
I know it stinks to think criminals are out there ready to pounce on you, but it really is happening. Do your loved ones a solid and pass this along.
