Tag: #sms

Why You Should Buy a Disposable SMS Number Secure Your Privacy with Ease

In today’s digital age, protecting your privacy has become more important than ever. With data breaches, spam, and unwanted marketing calls on the rise, many users are searching for ways to keep their personal information secure. A disposable SMS number is one of the most effective solutions to this problem.

In this article, we’ll explore what a disposable SMS number is, how it works, and why you should consider using one. Plus, I’ll show you where to get one and how to make the most of it.

What Is a Disposable SMS Number?

A disposable SMS number is a temporary phone number that can receive text messages. It functions just like a regular number but is often used for short-term purposes. These numbers are especially useful for situations where you don’t want to share your personal phone number but still need to receive SMS.

Think of it as a temporary email address you might use for signing up for a new service to avoid spam in your main inbox. Once you no longer need it, you can stop using it, protecting your real number from unwanted texts or calls.

Why Use a Disposable SMS Number?

There are countless reasons why using a disposable SMS number can be incredibly beneficial. Let’s break down a few of the most common use cases:

1. Online Verification

Many websites require phone number verification through one-time passwords (OTPs) for added security. But do you really want to give out your personal number to every service? By using a virtual number for OTP, you can complete the verification process without exposing your private information.

2. Signing Up for Free Trials

We’ve all been there – signing up for a service that promises free trials, only to forget to cancel, resulting in surprise charges. Using a disposable number lets you keep track of trial services without using your actual number.

3. Maintaining Privacy

Imagine you’re selling something online. Sharing your personal number with buyers might not feel secure, especially if you’re posting on public platforms. A disposable number keeps your real phone number out of the picture, ensuring your privacy is protected.

How Does It Work?

Buying a disposable SMS number is straightforward. Services like www.freeje.com offer easy access to temporary numbers. Here’s how the process generally works:

  1. Choose Your Country: Disposable numbers can be chosen from various countries, allowing you to select a region that fits your needs.
  2. Pick Your Plan: These numbers usually come with flexible plans – pay-per-use or a subscription for long-term use. You only pay for the duration you need it.
  3. Use It for SMS Verification: Once you’ve purchased the number, use it for whatever verification or communication you need. After the task is done, you can dispose of the number or keep it for future use.

Just like disposable cups are handy when you don’t want to wash dishes after a party, disposable SMS numbers are great for avoiding spam or excessive communication.

Practical Ways to Use a Disposable SMS Number

If you’re still unsure about how to integrate disposable numbers into your routine, here are some examples of where they can be helpful:

  • Social Media Accounts: Platforms like Instagram or Facebook often ask for phone verification. If you don’t want them to keep your personal number in their database, a disposable number does the trick.
  • Classified Ads: When selling items on websites like Craigslist, a temporary number gives you a layer of privacy, reducing the chances of getting spammed after the deal is done.
  • Dating Apps: For those who prefer keeping their personal life separate from their phone number, using a disposable SMS number for dating apps is a great solution.

Long-Term Security and Convenience

Many people believe disposable numbers are only useful for short-term purposes. However, they can also serve long-term needs. If you run a business, you may want to separate different areas of your work life – for example, having a separate line for customer inquiries without giving out your personal phone number.

Moreover, they are perfect for travel. If you’re in a foreign country and need a local number to receive messages or verify accounts, disposable SMS numbers are a convenient option.

Final Thoughts: The Smart Way to Protect Your Privacy

A disposable SMS number provides a smart, easy, and affordable way to protect your privacy and streamline communication. From online signups to selling products, there are numerous applications where having a temporary number can make a big difference.

Next time you need a quick solution for receiving texts without revealing your personal number, consider purchasing a virtual number for OTP. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your privacy is intact.

Bank of Ireland warns customers of “smishing” scams this Christmas

Bank of Ireland is urging customers to stay alert to ‘Smishing’ scams over the festive season, as fraudsters try to exploit consumer behaviour by sending them fraudulent text messages during the busy shopping period.

With online shopping and parcel deliveries at peak levels, scammers are sending texts that look like they’ve been sent by trusted delivery companies, motorway toll services, utility providers, Government agencies or even from the banks themselves.

These fraudulent messages often include links to fake websites designed to steal card or online banking details or trying to pressure consumers into paying a delivery or customs charge or update bank account details. Other “smishing” texts will contain a fake phone number that, when called, connects you to a fraudster posing as a representative of the company or from your own bank.

Bank of Ireland is also reminding customers that its dedicated fraud support team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout Christmas and into the New Year. Last year Bank of Ireland’s fraud prevention team received over 10,000 calls from customers during the peak holiday period (23 December to 29 December), with 550 calls received on Christmas day alone.

As part of Bank of Ireland’s four-point plan to prevent fraud, it has called for the introduction of legislation to allow an SMS scam filter to be deployed in Ireland. This filter would help stop SMS fraud attempts before they happen. Ireland is currently out of step with other English-speaking countries in not having an SMS scam filter in place. This filter would operate like the spam filters that are applied to email inboxes by detecting and blocking harmful links or content.

Key advice for consumers:

  • Do not click on links or reply to text messages looking for payment.
  • Remember toll operators, banks, delivery companies, utility providers and Government agencies will never send a text linking to a website that asks for your online banking details or full card details.
  • Check the identity of the sender. Call the company in question using their legitimate phone number.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “Unfortunately fraudsters see the Christmas holidays as an opportunity to exploit the consumer rush to get all the festive shopping done, and at this time of the year Bank of Ireland’s fraud team always sees a wide range of “smishing” scams impersonating well-known companies.”

“Our advice to consumers remains the same, keep your guard up and treat every unsolicited call, text, or email as a potential fraud attempt. Our dedicated fraud team is working around the clock, even over Christmas and into the New Year, to protect and support our customers. If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and contact us straight away.

“Ireland is out of step with other English-speaking countries in not having an SMS scam filter, leaving Irish consumers more exposed to fraud attempts. We would strongly support the introduction of an SMS scam filter in Ireland, which requires legislation, as it would help block many of these fake text messages.”

Bank of Ireland customers can call the Fraud Team 24/7 on the Freephone line 1800 946 764.

ESET celebrates Black Friday with up to 50% off

ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, is offering savvy shoppers up to 50% off ESET HOME Security to celebrate Black Friday 2025. Deals are available from now until Tuesday 2nd December, giving consumers the opportunity to save on ESET’s latest all-in-one solution.

Protecting more than 100 million homes around the world, ESET’s cutting-edge security products are based on more than 30 years of research and are continually updated to address real-time threats. ESET HOME Security is a streamlined offering for consumers with three subscription tiers that provide users with broad and reliable digital life protection.

ESET is offering up to 50% off all three subscription tiers from now until 2nd December 2025:

UK Deals*:

ESET HOME Security Essential – 30% off 3 devices/1 year – was £44.99, now £31.49

ESET HOME Security Premium – 40% off 3 devices/1 year – was £74.99, now £44.99

ESET HOME Security Ultimate – 50% off 5 devices/1 year – was £114.98, now £57.49

US Deals*:

ESET HOME Security Essential – 50% off 1 devices/1 year – was $49.99, now $24.99

ESET HOME Security Premium – 50% off 1 devices/1 year – was $79.99, now $39.99

ESET HOME Security Ultimate – 50% off 5 devices/1 year – was $179.99, now £89.99

*Discount varies depending on the number of devices and length of subscription.

Despite ESET HOME Security already having a long list of features including Antivirus & Antispyware, Firewall, Ransomware Shield, Anti-Phishing, Safe Banking, Safe Browsing, Dark Web Monitoring, VPN, Folder Guard and Gamer Mode to name a few. ESET has recently introduced new upgrades to the software that include:

  • Ransomware Remediation – seamlessly creates encrypted backups so users can detect, block, and recover from ransomware with minimal disruption.
  • Enhanced scam protection – now covers SMS, email, phone calls, URLs, QR codes, and malicious files.
  • New tools: Microphone Monitor and Website Security Inspector to improve phishing detection.
  • ESET VPN – now available to Premium users (previously Ultimate only).
  • ESET HOME platform – updated for easier family protection and better overall user experience.
  • ESET Link Checker – a free online tool that scans any URL for phishing, scams, and malware.

These updates are designed to address the evolving threat landscape with special attention to prevention, ensuring a best-in-class user experience.

For more information on ESET’s Black Friday discounts and award-winning internet security for Windows, macOS and Android, visit www.eset.com.

The Essential Travel Phone Settings Checklist: Stay Safe, Connected, and Cost-Efficient Abroad

From preventing theft to avoiding data roaming charges, this simple pre-travel setup guide helps travelers secure their phones and personal information before heading overseas.
Whether you’re catching a flight for business or leisure, your smartphone likely holds everything from boarding passes and hotel bookings to banking apps and personal data. However, travel exposes you to new digital threats, both physical and online. A few quick changes to your settings can save you from financial headaches, identity theft, or losing irreplaceable data.
SmartMove.us shares 6 tips on how to set up your phone for a safe, smart, and theft-proof holiday:
1. Disable Control Center Access from the Lock Screen
Thieves often exploit quick-access settings to turn on airplane mode or disable data, making your phone untraceable. Prevent this by locking down your control center from the lock screen.
2. Turn Off Mobile Data and Roaming (Unless You’re Covered)
International roaming charges can rack up fast. Disable roaming and turn off mobile data unless you’re using a travel-friendly plan or SIM.
3. Use an Authenticator App Instead of SMS for 2FA
Text-based 2FA may not work abroad and is vulnerable to SIM-swap fraud. Apps like Google Authenticator offer safer, more reliable alternatives.
4. Enable Remote Tracking & Lock Tools
Features like “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device” let you locate, lock, or wipe your phone remotely if it’s lost or stolen.
5. Back Up Your Data Before Departure
Ensure all important contacts, documents, and photos are backed up to the cloud or an external drive.
6. Avoid Auto-Connecting to Public Wi-Fi
Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections to avoid insecure networks, and consider using a VPN when accessing sensitive apps.
“Many people pack their passports but forget to ‘pack’ their digital defences. A lot of theft and data breaches abroad are preventable. In fact, your phone is only as secure as its settings.
Opportunistic theft is still a top threat, especially in tourist-heavy areas. A stolen phone can be wiped and sold in minutes if it’s not properly secured. Disabling access to settings like airplane mode from the lock screen is one of the most overlooked but crucial steps.
Another thing to note is the hidden costs of travel, particularly around data usage. You might think you’re safe just by turning your phone off or leaving it on silent, but background apps can still sync. One accidental tap and you’re facing a hefty bill.
Before you board the plane, treat your phone like a second passport: protect it, secure it, and plan for what you’d do if it disappeared,” shares Tech Expert, Jes Johnson from SmartMove.us.

Infographic + data – phishing is more prevalent via email than SMS/voice, plus latest on mobile connections

𝐌𝐄𝐅 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 – 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞

Most incidents of Phishing or Spoofing on smartphones still occur via Email, according to MEF’s (Mobile Ecosystem Forum) 9th Annual Trust Study, with 52% of users reporting personal experience of data harm via this channel. Surprisingly, 39% of those users still took no preventative measures to protect their online data.

SMS and Voice (phone calls) were the joint second most reported channels for Phishing and Spoofing attempts for 39% of users, followed by WhatsApp (30%). However, more users are taking protective action against breaches on these channels – perhaps highlighting the acceptance of Email as a ‘dirty’ channel.

Full details are available to download at https://mobileecosystemforum.com/mefs-9th-annual-trust-study/

 

𝐌𝐄𝐅 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 – 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The total number of cellular connections worldwide with mobile data (excluding M2M) has risen 75% since the end of 2016 – from 3.89 billion to 6.82 billion. Mobile data connections comprise both Talk, Text & Data SIMs and Data-only SIMs.

Over the same time, the total number of cellular connections rose from 7.25 billion to 8.44 billion meaning that cellular connections with mobile data now comprise almost 81% of the total versus just 54% at the end of 2016.

Mobile connection data and user data for over 200 countries worldwide is available to view at MEF Data https://mobileecosystemforum.com/mef-data/

Don’t Get Duped: Common Scams Targeting Individuals and Businesses

In the digital age, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, deploying deceitful tactics to defraud individuals and businesses. Understanding the landscape of these scams is the first line of defense; awareness and vigilance are potent weapons in the battle against fraud. From phishing to a full-blown business email compromise, criminals’ arsenal is varied and insidious. Here’s a dive into the most common ones.

Types of Scams

Both individuals and businesses are vulnerable to many scams, which can result in significant financial losses. While new scams continue to emerge, some have stood the test of time and remain prevalent today.

Business Number Spoofing Scams

Business number spoofing scams involve fraudsters using technology to alter the caller ID to make it appear that the call is coming from a legitimate business number, often recognized and trusted. This scam tactic is not only a problem for the individuals who receive the calls but also for businesses whose numbers are spoofed. Customers may be tricked into giving away personal information or making payments, thinking they are dealing with an actual company representative.

Individuals must independently verify the caller’s identity, such as calling the business back through the official number on their website. A good scam likely fix for businesses should involve informing customers through various channels that they will never ask for sensitive information or immediate payment over the phone. Additionally, companies should monitor for reports of their business number being misused and take steps to alert customers promptly if such incidents occur.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. These attacks often come in emails but can also occur via text messages or social media platforms.

The scammer will typically use a sense of urgency or fear to prompt the victim into providing personal information. For example, an email may claim that your bank account has been compromised, and immediate action is required to prevent fraud. The sender will then provide a link for you to click on, leading to a fake website that steals your login credentials.

Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information. Be wary of urgent or threatening language, and never click on links or open attachments from unknown sources. If you receive an email claiming to be from a legitimate company, it’s always best to go directly to their website instead of clicking on any provided links.

Business Email Compromise

Business email compromise (BEC) scams target businesses using social engineering and email spoofing to deceive employees into transferring money or sensitive information to the scammer. These scams often involve a hacker gaining access to a company’s email system and posing as a high-level executive, such as the CEO or CFO, to request urgent wire transfers or confidential data

Businesses should implement strict authentication processes for financial transactions and educate employees on the red flags of a potential scam. Reviewing and regularly updating security protocols, such as multi-factor authentication, is essential to prevent unauthorized access to company emails.

Online Shopping Scams

With the rise of e-commerce, online shopping scams have become increasingly prevalent. These scams often involve fake websites or social media pages advertising popular products at meager prices. Once a customer makes a purchase, they receive a counterfeit or never receive the product.

Always research before purchasing from unfamiliar websites or social media pages. Look for reviews and ratings from previous customers, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Use secure payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal, which protect against fraudulent charges.

Government Impersonation Scams

Government impersonation scams often target the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency. These scams involve a criminal posing as a government official, such as an IRS agent or immigration officer, and threatening legal action if payment is not made immediately.

It’s important to remember that government agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone or via email. If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from a government agency, hang up and contact the official agency directly to verify the information.

Investment Scams

Investment scams often promise high returns with little to no risk and can take various forms, such as Ponzi schemes or cryptocurrency fraud. These scams prey on individuals’ desire for quick and easy wealth, luring them into investing their hard-earned money into fraudulent ventures.

Always do thorough research before investing in any opportunity. Be wary of promises of high returns with low risk, and never feel pressured to make a quick decision. Seek advice from trusted financial advisors or research before making any investment decisions.

Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams involve fraudsters pretending to be from a reputable tech company, such as Microsoft or Apple, and claiming an issue with your computer or device. They will then ask for remote access to your device, install malware, and charge a fee for their “services.”

Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you out of the blue asking for personal info or remote device access. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a tech company, verify with the official company. Always be cautious of unsolicited requests for device access or personal info.

Protect Yourself

In addition to being aware of common scams, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim:

 

  • Never give out personal information over the phone, email, or social media unless you have verified the recipient’s identity.
  • Keep your devices and software updated to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information.
  • Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources.
  • Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts, and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
  • Stay informed about the latest scams and be vigilant in detecting fraudulent activity.  

Being aware and vigilant helps prevent scams. If targeted or victimized, resources like the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau are available for reporting and recovering from financial loss. Act swiftly if you suspect a scam to minimize potential damage.

Overall, in a world rife with fraudsters, maintaining vigilance is paramount. By staying informed about the common types of scams and their telltale signs, individuals and businesses can take proactive measures to protect themselves from becoming the next victims. Remember, when something seems too good to be true—it probably is. Stay safe, and don’t get duped.

UPS customs fee sms scam to watch out for

There is plenty of scams knocking about now and if you are one to regularly get packages like me it seems like an easy target for scammers be it coincidental or not these scams are getting better all the time and catching people out and even some high profile individuals have took to the press here which was a silly move in my eyes they should know better.

When it comes to scams they are with all courier companies and in the form of looking for some form of payment such as customs fees and they do have tell tale signs from the offset such as a bad URL and incorrect spelling in the text itself.. See  below what the situation is with the UPS customs fee scam is.

In all cases if you do get an sms or email and not sure you can always check if these are real or fake by checking the tracking code with the courier website or using 17 track as we have shown above and in the video below and you will swiftly get the result, in all cases you should always ask and check before proceeding any further as it is most likely a scam and this one with UPS is a new one on me and for the most looks original.

Video

6 Ways To Protect Yourself From Hackers

Hacking has been making waves in the tech world, especially since the rise of cryptocurrency. It’s a realm where brilliant minds seek innovation and disruptors try to cause chaos. Shockingly, recent data show that Ireland saw a 37% surge in cryptocurrency theft, totalling about €1.8 billion. Here’s the reality: the risk of getting hacked is greater than ever as these cunning cybercriminals evolve. However, you can fortify your defences by understanding their tactics. Here are six ways you could fall victim to hacking. 

  1. Smartphone apps 

Many people have and love those handy apps that make life easier. In today’s digital world, they’ve become essential. However, your smartphone could be more vulnerable if you’re an Android user without two-factor authentication (2FA). Android’s open-source operating system, while offering flexibility, can be a playground for viruses, making it less secure than the iPhone. When you open an app, you often share sensitive information, potentially giving hackers an open door. The solution is to be picky with your app choices, focus on the ones with credible ratings and reviews, and beef up your security with Two-Factor Authentication on all apps and devices. Don’t forget to double-check your links too. 

    2. Sites-cloning and phishing

Site cloning and phishing are a classic that has been around since the ‘dot-com revolution.’ As they say, ‘the old ones are the best.’ In one scenario, the cyber tricksters create a near-perfect replica of a legitimate website, hoping to trick you into entering your password or secret key. They might even slightly alter the website’s domain, so be vigilant. In the second scenario, they send emails that look identical to official communications but aim to trick you into clicking a malicious link and giving away your data. Trust your instincts, and if something feels off, delete it. Stick to websites with genuine HTTPS protocol. 

   3. Beware of public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is a hacking scenario that many naturally fear. Your device can connect to a hacker’s Wi-Fi network through a misleading link or accidentally choosing the wrong network. Anything you download or send while connected to that network is fair game for hackers. They can access your private keys from crypto wallets, online banking details, email passwords, and more. This issue is especially critical when using public Wi-Fi in railway stations, airports, hotels, or any crowded spot. Hackers can lurk incognito, waiting for an unsuspecting victim. The rule of thumb here is never to use public Wi-Fi for financial or sensitive transactions, not even with a VPN. Also, keep your router firmware updated, as manufacturers frequently release updates. Meanwhile, you can use SSID as an alternative. But what is SSID? It stands for Service Set Identifier, enabling you to learn more ways to protect yourself on Wi-Fi networks. 

   4. Malicious USB sticks 

You’ve probably heard stories of people finding USB sticks in parking lots and trying to do the right thing by returning them. However, there’s a darker side to this scenario. Sometimes, these USB sticks are loaded with malware and intentionally left by criminals. You don’t need to be the target of a specific attack to fall victim to malware. Inserting random devices like CDs, DVDs, USB drives, or any other found peripherals, such as a mouse or keyboard, puts you at risk of getting hacked. To protect yourself, use reputable antivirus software and make sure it scans all connected devices. While it’s not foolproof and can’t catch every threat, it significantly reduces the chances of falling prey to random malware or malware created by less skilled attackers. 

    5. SMS authentication 

SMS for authentication may seem like a quick and familiar way to confirm your identity, but it’s not as secure as you think. Positive Technologies, a cybersecurity company, has shown how easy it is for attackers to intercept SMS messages containing password confirmations, thanks to the Signalling System 7 (SS7) protocol used worldwide. They demonstrated that any system relying solely on SMS can be accessed by hackers, even if 2FA is used. To protect yourself, turn off call forwarding to prevent data access and consider using a software-based authentication solution instead. 

    6. Malicious documents

Hackers often hide malware in seemingly harmless Office documents like Word or Excel. When you open these files, your computer can get instantly infected. These malicious documents typically arrive in your inbox, disguised as seemingly secure emails. Upon opening, you might receive a pop-up message prompting you to enable macros to view the document’s content. If you allow macros, your computer becomes susceptible to malware attacks. So, avoid enabling macros and never open attachments from suspicious emails or unknown contacts. 

New DHL sms scam

Being a person that gets many packages a week I guess I would be prone to these scams but no I am not the only one, this text message landed on myphone last night so I did the usual and tinker around with the messages and went through the process to see where we are at here.

As seen above you can basically enter anything into the fields above for your personal details and it will will allow you carry onto the payment section for a small value which remains at 0.95 this morning still, however when you begin to enter your personal card details these auto pop up if you have your phone selected to do so, again however you can place anything but note you are never asked to enter a tracking number in the process, nor will you get a text message with the code,again this is a scam and scammers just trying to get your credit card details with half looks like a DHL portal but again the URL on top should be the main giveaway.

Again beware and let your friends and family know.The last notification of a scam on their website is here which needs to be adjusted.m

Quick video on the scam