Be Careful When Strangers Ask If They Can Borrow Your Phone

What would you do if a stranger asks to use your cell phone because they left theirs at home, or says their battery is dead? The answer seems obvious. You would like to help. But it is important to be cautious if you decide to hand over your phone.

Area police have identified a trending scam of stealing information. Once a stranger takes possession of your phone many unfortunate things could happen.  Your banking information and financial apps could be accessed in a matter of seconds by those who know how to do such things. Passwords can also be easy targets.

So, what should you do if a stranger or someone you don’t know all that well needs to use your phone? Offer to make the call for them and dial the number. Keep the phone in your hand and place it on the speaker if you’d like to help.

This information was provided in part by Sergeant B. Keller of the Newport News Police Department.