Con artists and fraudsters are always searching for new ways of getting people’s money. Nowadays, a very popular way of conning people is through their cell phones. If you are wondering who can be a victim of this sort of scam, the answer is anybody who owns a cell phone. If this is your case, then you should be aware of the five most common cell phone scams.

Have you ever receive a missed call from an unknown number? This does not seem like something one would be particularly suspicious of, nevertheless, if something like this happens to you, it may mean that you are about to become a scam victim.

The way this works is by assuming that you will return the call to this unknown number. Generally, the number will look like a domestic one, but once you dialed it you will find that you are being connected to an adult entertainment chat line, which is located overseas.

Also, these unknown numbers may connect you to a premium rate number, which will charge you by the minute. Obviously, you will find the consequences on your next bill. If you do not recognize the missed call number, do not return the call.

Another common scam is carried out by text messages. The way this works is through text messages that supposedly come from your bank or credit card company. This message will state that there are some problems with your account, and they will give you a number to call back.
Once you call this number, an agent will try to get as much personal information as possible, including your account number. This is done with the purpose of stealing your money in most cases. However, in some other cases their purpose is to steal your identity.

Text messages are a common way of carrying out scams. It is through SMS that you will receive spam, with different types of advertisements. What most people do not know is that these messages are charged, and once they started coming into your inbox, they will not stop.

In addition, it is very important that you are very careful when you give out your personal information, to avoid giving it to people with the wrong intentions. Many times, fraudsters will open cell phone accounts with your information and you will be responsible for paying the bills.

Lastly, one of the most popular ways of conning somebody through cell phones is with cloned SIM cards. A cloned cell phone is one that transmits the ESN number of another cell phone. The ESN number is the serial number of your cell phone, sort of like its id.

The person who has the cloned phone will make as many calls as he wants and the real owner of the cell phone will be in charge of the bills. This type of scam is used mainly by criminals to communicate among themselves. However, it is important that you do not panic. You just need to be a little careful to avoid being a victim.

Always use your common sense, and never give out personal information through your cell phone. Also do not return calls from unknown numbers nor answer text messages from unknown senders. Just by following these golden rules, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a scam victim.

CEO of Advertizia, Julian J. Lenox reviews websites and articles for Consumer Electronics Top 100, a well developed Consumer Electronics websites reviews storage. Learn more at Sell Your Cell Phone.

[tags]cell phone tips, cell phone frauds, mobile phone frauds, sell your cell phone[/tags]