Picture this: you're scrolling through your messages when a text pops up claiming your bank account has been compromised, complete with an urgent link to 'verify your details.' Or perhaps you've received a call from someone claiming to be from your telco, asking for your account information to 'upgrade your service.' Sound familiar? You're not alone – phone and SMS scams have become increasingly sophisticated in 2025, but the good news is that staying protected is easier than you might think.
Whether you're rocking the latest flagship or squeezing extra mileage out of your trusty old device, scammers don't discriminate. Let's dive into the most effective ways to keep yourself and your personal information safe.
1. Master the Art of Spotting Red Flags
Scammers have upped their game, but they still leave telltale signs. Watch out for messages with urgent language like 'Act now!' or 'Your account will be closed today!' Legitimate companies rarely demand immediate action via text or unexpected calls. Poor spelling and grammar are also dead giveaways – your bank's communications team definitely knows the difference between 'you're' and 'your.'
2. Never Click Links or Share Personal Details
This one's golden: if you receive an unexpected message with a link, don't click it. Instead, open your browser separately and navigate to the official website. The same goes for phone calls – legitimate companies won't ask for passwords, PINs, or full account numbers over the phone. When in doubt, hang up and call the company directly using the number on your bill or their official website.
3. Understand Number Porting Scams
Here's a sneaky one that's caught many Kiwis off-guard: scammers can attempt to transfer your phone number to their device, giving them access to your two-factor authentication codes and potentially your accounts. Contact your provider to set up a port protection PIN or password. This extra step means anyone trying to port your number will need this code – something only you should know.
4. Use Your Phone's Built-in Protection
Your smartphone – whether it's a brand-new model or a quality refurbished device from trusted NZ retailers like CellMyPhone – comes with powerful scam-blocking features. Enable spam filtering in your messages app, and don't forget to report suspicious numbers. On iPhones, you can filter unknown senders, while Android devices offer robust spam protection through Google's Phone app.
5. Keep Your Software Updated
Those software updates you keep postponing? They often include security patches that protect against the latest scam techniques. Set your phone to update automatically, and don't forget about your apps – especially your banking and social media apps. Even older devices can stay secure with regular updates, so there's no need to rush into an expensive upgrade just for security.
6. Trust Your Gut and Verify Everything
If something feels off, it probably is. Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency or fear to bypass your natural skepticism. Take a breath, step back, and verify independently. Call the company directly, ask a tech-savvy friend, or simply wait a few hours before taking any action. Legitimate issues rarely require split-second decisions.
Remember, staying scam-safe isn't about having the newest, most expensive phone – it's about being informed and cautious. Your old faithful device, properly maintained and updated, can be just as secure as the latest model. By staying alert and following these practical steps, you'll keep your personal information safe while making your current phone last longer – saving money and reducing electronic waste in the process. That's a win-win in our book.
