Can a scammer hack my phone through a phone call?
Scam warning: Around the world, scammers use phone calls to trick people into revealing personal information, installing malicious apps, or sending money. While phone calls are a common part of these scams, simply answering a call is generally not enough for a scammer to hack a modern smartphone.
In most cases, a scammer cannot hack your phone just by calling you. Modern Android and iPhone devices are designed with security protections that prevent a phone call alone from giving someone access to your device. However, there have been rare cases where highly sophisticated attackers exploited unknown software vulnerabilities (“zero-day” flaws) to compromise a phone through a call or messaging app. These attacks are extremely uncommon and are typically directed at high-profile targets, such as government officials, journalists, or business executives, rather than the general public.
The biggest risk from phone scams comes from social engineering rather than technical hacking. A scammer may pretend to be from your bank, a government agency, a delivery company, or technical support. They may try to convince you to:
- Share passwords, one-time verification codes, or banking details.
- Install a remote access or “security” app.
- Click a malicious link sent by text or email.
- Transfer money or purchase gift cards.
To protect yourself from phone scams:
- Never share passwords, PINs, or verification codes over the phone.
- Do not install apps or grant remote access at the request of an unexpected caller.
- Hang up if the caller pressures you or creates a sense of urgency.
- Verify the caller by contacting the organization using an official phone number or website.
- Keep your phone’s operating system and apps updated with the latest security patches.
If you believe you’ve interacted with a scammer, disconnect the call immediately. If you shared sensitive information, change your passwords, contact your bank if financial information was involved, and run a security scan using a trusted mobile security app. Monitoring your accounts for unusual activity is also a good precaution.
Scam awareness: Worldwide, phone scams are far more likely to succeed through deception than through direct hacking. Staying cautious, keeping your phone updated, and refusing to share sensitive information are the most effective ways to protect yourself.
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