🇺🇸 Patriot Mobile’s big breach: The self-proclaimed “Christian conservative wireless provider” exposed its cellphone customers’ info, including full names, email addresses, ZIP codes and account PINs. Hard to ignore the timing on this one … If you’re a subscriber, update your login info ASAP.
T-Mobile’s Scam Shield blocked 21B scam calls in 2021 – Here’s how to enable it
These days, it feels like the scams never end. Of course, some of the most intrusive is the endless spam calls that bug you all day long.
Ever wonder why you get so many of those car-warranty robocalls? Here’s the reason.
One of the most powerful defenses against scam calls is your wireless provider. T-Mobile, a sponsor of Kim’s national radio show, released its 2021 wireless scam report. Scam attempts are up — but there is a bright spot when it comes to your protection.
Scam calls reach an all-time high in 2021
Overall, scam attempts increased 116% through Dec. 14 of 2021 compared to 2020. The industry is predicted to receive a whopping 110 billion scam calls this year. The good news? T-Mobile Scam Shield identified or blocked over 21 billion scam calls — that’s 700 calls identified or blocked as Scam Likely every second.
Get this: Scam Shield is identifying or blocking three and a half times more calls than AT&T’s solution. When T-Mobile labels a call as “Scam Likely,” data shows it has a better than 99% accuracy rate.
Let’s dive deeper into the 2021 scam call stats.
Do scammers ever rest? After a year of quarantine in 2020, scam call attempts grew throughout 2021, starting with the lowest numbers in January and doubling by November to 2.5 billion calls that month alone. T-Mobile’s report shows scammers slow down on weekends and holidays. They average 80 million scam calls per day from Monday to Friday, 85% higher than weekend scam call volume.
Which calls are most prevalent? It’s no surprise fake vehicle warranty scams accounted for 51% of scam calls in 2021. This was followed by scammers impersonating the Social Security office (10%), wireless providers (9%), car insurance companies (6%) and package delivery companies (4%).
Who is targeted most? Texas was the top targeted state for scam calls in 2021, with Dallas/Fort Worth being the number one targeted metro area. Florida, Arizona and Georgia took the next three spots.
How big is the impact? Scam calls are the No. 1 consumer complaint to the FCC. They continue at such a high clip because they’re effective.
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Choosing a wireless provider is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your digital life. Smartphones are no longer just luxury items, they’re necessities — which makes the need for reliable service even more important.
How to switch wireless providers without all the fees and hassle
Tired of your wireless provider? Thinking about making the switch to a new one? Changing providers can be stressful. From long wait times to the high cost of paying off your current device, there are lots of reasons you may be putting it off, even if you’re unhappy with your current service.