Billions of iPhone and Android owners warned of ‘scam bug’ draining the bank – don’t hesitate to check your texts

BILLIONS of smartphone owners need to watch out for a serious bank warning.

You need to keep an eye on your texts to spot a dangerous “cheater” scam.

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It can wipe out your bank if you’re not careful.

And once you’ve sent cash to a scammer, it can be very difficult to get it back.

“Scammers can impersonate businesses or people you know — like your bank, utility, phone company, or even a friend or relative,” Bank of America warns.

“They may ask you to send money to yourself or others via online or mobile banking.

“They can spoof legitimate phone numbers to call or text you to make the request more convincing.”

Banks sometimes text you to check for unusual activity.

But Bank of America says it would never ask you to send money to anyone using cell.

Asking you to send money to solve a scam is a common scam.

This is not a banking policy, however, and you must exercise extreme caution when sending iPhone and Android text messages asking you to do so.

“The ‘representative’ or scammer will offer to stop the alleged fraud by asking you to send money to yourself using cell,” Bank of America said.

“And ask for a one-time code you just received from a bank.

“If you give them this code, they will use it to register their bank account with cell using your email address or phone number.”

This is a very common trick to rob your bank and take your money.

The banking giant shares several tips you need to follow to protect yourself from scammers.

“Be careful if you’re pressured to act immediately — that’s what scammers want you to do,” advises Bank of America.

“Be wary of unfamiliar calls, computer messages, text messages, or emails requesting money or personal information.

“It’s not always who says it is.”

Phone owners are also warned to verify that they are speaking to a trusted recipient.

Call a trusted or verified phone number that you have independent of the conversation in which you asked for money.

This could mean calling a loved one’s phone number directly, or someone who is likely to be with them.

And if a company asks you for money, use the number on their official website or app — not one that’s texted.

And do not, under any circumstances, give out codes.

These can be used to hijack your accounts and steal your funds.