A First-Time Smartphone User's Guide to Scams
New to smartphones, mobile money or banking apps? Five simple habits prevent most scam losses. A plain guide for first-time users and the family members helping them.
A smartphone opens up a lot: video calls with family, mobile money, banking, news, shopping. It also brings scam messages and calls that can be confusing if you are new to it all. You do not need to be an expert. These five habits prevent most scam losses, and they are easy to remember.
The five habits
1. Your PIN and codes are yours alone
Never tell anyone your PIN, password, or the codes sent to your phone by text. Not the bank, not the network, not a relative on a new number. Real staff never ask for them.
2. If it is unexpected, check it yourself
If a message or call says there is a problem, a prize or an emergency, do not use the number or link it gives. Call the organization using the number on your card or bill, or call your relative on the number you already have saved.
3. Do not rush
Scammers push you to act quickly: "today", "now", "or your account will be closed". When you feel rushed, stop. A real problem will still be there tomorrow.
4. Only install apps from the official store
Use the app store that came with your phone. Do not install apps from links in messages, and never install an app because a caller asked you to.
5. Ask someone you trust
If anything feels strange, show it to a family member or friend before you do anything. Asking is always the right choice.
Write the five habits on a card and keep it with your phone until they feel natural.
Messages to ignore
- "You have won" messages for competitions you did not enter.
- Messages saying money was sent to you by mistake. Check your real balance instead.
- Links about parcels you are not expecting.
- Unknown numbers saying they are your child or grandchild with a new phone.
- Calls saying your account or SIM will be blocked today.
See common scam phrases and what they mean for more examples.
Settings a helper can switch on
- A screen lock PIN or fingerprint.
- Automatic updates.
- Spam call filtering, and silencing unknown callers in WhatsApp.
- Contacts saved for the bank, network and family.
- Two-step verification on email and WhatsApp.
If something goes wrong
- Stop replying to the scammer.
- Call your bank or mobile money provider on the official number.
- Tell a trusted person.
- Report it. See how to report a scam.
For family helpers
Go through the five habits together, practise with a pretend scam message, and make sure your relative knows they can ask you anything without feeling foolish. Our guide on protecting elderly parents from scams has more ideas.
Not sure about a message? Copy it into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free second opinion.
For the complete picture, read our guide on how to avoid online scams.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing a new smartphone user should know?
Never tell anyone your PIN, password or the codes sent to your phone, even if they say they are from your bank or network.
Is it safe to download apps?
Yes, from the official app store on your phone. Avoid installing apps from links in messages or because a caller asked you to.
What should I do if I think I made a mistake?
Tell a trusted person and call your bank or mobile money provider on its official number straight away. Acting quickly matters more than anything else.
Sources
- How To Protect Your Phone From Hackers, US Federal Trade Commission
- How To Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages, US Federal Trade Commission
- Top tips for staying secure online, UK National Cyber Security Centre
