This ingenious and dangerous method involves the Using shopping and map apps to trick victims into unlocking their phones, giving thieves access to critical personal information at the slightest opportunity from the user who, unsuspectingly, agrees to help the stranger without knowing their true intentions. And this new tactic for steal your unlocked mobile It is based on trust and surprise. Criminals approach unsuspecting people on the street, ask for directions and to obtain this information, Victims are asked to unlock their phones and open Google Maps or another map app. Once the phone is unlocked, thieves seize the opportunity to steal the device and make a quick getaway.

This method not only allows thieves to steal your phone, but also gives them access to very important personal data such as all your photos, videos, messages, as well as banking details, credit cards, and shopping app accounts. In short, a really valuable kind of informationbecause it can be used to commit financial fraud, which can cause significant economic and emotional damage to victims.

It has already happened

One of the most shocking cases involved Sonny Stringer, who He stole 24 cell phones in one morning before being arrested by police after an accident with his electric bike. As you can see, getting so many smartphones in such a short time shows how fast and brutal these criminals operate.

There have even been cases of thieves posing as charity workers, attacking people during phone calls, and stealing devices from festival-goers while they were taking selfies. This variety of tactics shows how quickly criminals can adapt to get their hands on an unlocked smartphone.

How do I prevent this?

Well, in the end it’s still a typology of theft Moreover, no additional precautions are needed beyond those we already take when using our smartphones in public.

To protect yourself from cell phone theft, it is best to: Do not use it without risk in public, busy places, i.e. in crowded areas, and don’t unlock your phone for strangers who ask you to use it to view maps or other applications. Of course, it’s just as important to use the security measures that Android and iOS offer, such as facial recognition or fingerprint to make it difficult to access your device.

Common sense and always stay alert, as well as avoid distractions As you walk down the street, they help you avoid becoming the next victim of these robberies.