Missed called with rare Message that does not appear elsewhere

Nuknuknuk

I received a strange message along with a missed call notification from an unknown number on my phone. Instead of the usual ‘missed call’ alert, it showed a random, incoherent sentence. Could this be a sign of a security breach or malware? What steps should I take to ensure my device is safe?

Alexandru_BD

Hello @Nuknuknuk and thanks for posting here.

Well, for starters don’t respond to or interact with the message, and avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments if there were any. Then use Bitdefender Mobile Security if you have it already installed on your mobile device, to run a full scan for any malware or suspicious activity. The next steps are usually preventive, keep an eye on your device for any signs of possible malware, like slow performance, excessive battery drain, unexpected data usage, or unfamiliar apps installed. But if you haven't clicked on any links and didn't answer that call, you should be fine. I would also recommend to block the caller.

It's also a good idea to review the permissions granted to apps, especially those related to phone calls, contacts, and messages. Make sure no app has unnecessary access. And last but not least, don't forget to enable 2FA for your important accounts, to add an extra layer of security.
These steps should help safeguard your device and give you peace of mind.

Regards,

Alex

Flexx

Additionally, it’s best to install Truecaller ( https://www.truecaller.com/ ) , which has the largest database of scam numbers and messages that a person might receive. Users can manually report scam numbers and messages within the app, allowing them to be automatically added to the Truecaller database. When you receive a call or message from an unknown number, Truecaller will indicate whether it is spam, provided that data for that particular number is in its database.

One thing to note is that when a spam call or message is received from an unknown number, Truecaller changes its color from blue to red. It also has a built-in option to block that number and message, ensuring that any such call or message goes directly into the spam folder. The free version of Truecaller is more than sufficient for a typical home user; you can check its settings for additional features.

Regards