Relief for iPhone, Android users! Vodafone fake SMS crackdown carries punch

tech.hindustantimes.com:

Last year 2021 was one of the worst in terms of online scams and frauds. Cyber fraudsters opted for new methods to con iPhone and Android phone users and thereby steal their money. From sending SMS, malware, phishing, email to QR codes, every trick was tried to steal data and money. We have even seen SMS being sent to people regarding fake delivery service especially during the festive season sales period. Many of these messages are highly sophisticated, with links leading to fake websites that appear to be totally realistic. Unfortunately, the trend is rising and people's personal data and financial information is at risk. Cybercriminals have acquired knowledge and the wherewithal with which to hoodwink even the best protected devices - they have learnt to trick people alongside honing their ability to hack into phones and other gadgets. This is quite an explosive combination.

With the situation going from bad to worse, telecom company Vodafone UK has came forward with a solution! Vodafone has launched a crackdown against fake SMS and other messages by incorporating anti-fraud defences that will bring relief to iPhone and Android users. Even during the largest shopping season of the year, the telecom company claims to have seen a steady decline in overall reported fraudulent SMS messages in the UK, the Express reported.

Vodafone has used SMS firewall technology which observes the text of where it comes from and who is the recipient. With nearly 45 million phishing messages blocked since the end of August 2021, the average volume of SMS fraud dropped by 76 percent in December compared to May, it revealed.

In addition to blocking messages, Vodafone also enabled the service for Android users in the UK to report fake or