SCAM ALERT: If you use a smartphone, change these settings immediately; your account could be emptied in an instant.

Smartphone Safety Tips: If you use a smartphone, ignoring certain settings can be very risky. A small oversight can put your account in danger. Learn which important settings you should change immediately.

Today, almost everything is done with a smartphone. Banking, shopping, bill payments, social media, and office data—everything is on a single device. In such a situation, even a small incorrect setting on your phone can put your account at risk.

Cybercriminals exploit your phone's vulnerabilities and steal your money in seconds. To avoid this, first check your phone's screen lock settings. If you are still using a simple pattern or a four-digit PIN, change it immediately. Keep a strong passcode, fingerprint, and face lock all active.

Next, pay attention to app permissions. Many apps request more access than they need, such as access to contacts, camera, messages, and storage. Go to your settings and see which app is accessing what. Disable access for anything that isn't necessary. Incorrect permissions are one of the biggest reasons for account hacking.

Auto-saved passwords and auto-login are also a big risk. If your phone is stolen or falls into the wrong hands, accounts can be accessed without an OTP. It's best to disable auto-login in banking and payment apps and make fingerprint or PIN mandatory every time.

Avoiding unknown links and sideloaded apps is crucial. Go to your settings and disable the option to install apps from unknown sources. Many fake apps look genuine but record your OTP, passwords, and keystrokes in the background. This can lead to your account being emptied very quickly.

Make sure to enable two-step verification and security alerts on your phone, especially for your Google account, email, and banking apps. This will send you an alert if a new device or location logs in. Receiving an alert at the right time can often save your entire account.

Finally, don't ignore phone system updates. Every update includes security patches. Older versions leave you vulnerable to hacking. Go to settings and turn on automatic updates. This simple habit can save you from significant digital losses.