Phones & Utilities Archives | Page 14 of 16

Handphone Scams Are Soaring; Here’s What You Must Do

As shopping and payment transactions can be smoothly done through the power of your fingertips, about S$443 billion were spent in 2014’s mobile transactions – all over the world. But while digital wallets increase in popularity, so does the risk of scams.

What are handphone or mobile phone scams anyway? Handphone scams involve a variety of dishonest tactics, such as persuading you to buy a non-existent product or making you sign up to expensive subscription services, that are done for the scammer’s own profit.

According to Scams Singapore, a blog dedicated to identify and relay information about the existing frauds, common handphone scams occur when an unknown number contacts you and tells you to collect your prize or to pay for your kidnapped relative. With innovative ways to communicate and connect, the risk of scams rises. This is why it is important to stay vigilant and take preventative steps such as these:

1. PICKING PASSWORDS

When deciding which password you can use for your phone, do not choose the common ones such as 1234, 1111, or 0000. Also, you must change as often as possible.

For your mobile banking, maximize the use of your privacy settings by using two-factor authentication. Furthermore, do not make the security questions easy to answer because the scammers can just access your social media accounts.

2. OPENING ATTACHMENTS

To avoid downloading virus or other malware, only open attachments that were given by your friends, family, partners, and clients. Avoid phishing messages (i.e., when an unknown number asks for your bank account details). Simply, if you do not recognize the sender’s number and the area code is not +65 (i.e., Singapore’s area code) then, it is most likely a scam.

Image Credits: Antti Kultanen via Flickr with Creative Commons

3. DOWNLOADING APPS

When downloading Smartphone Apps, opt for the Apps that are available on the official retailers such as the iTunes or Google Play stores. Otherwise, there is a possibility of downloading bugs, virus or other malware. Downloading a tracking App for your devices is helpful in case you get robbed.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

7 Free Apps That Will Make Your Life In Singapore Better

Did you know that in 2011, CNN dubbed Singapore as the “2nd Coolest Nation in the World” because of its technology savvy nature? Most of the nation’s population is computer literate that even children aged 4 are encourage to use laptops in some learning centers. This is why it comes as no surprise that there are a lot of Apps out there that are making living in Singapore easier. Here are some of the good yet free apps available on the market now…

1. WHERETOGO.SG

Available on ITunes and Google Play

Do you find yourself lost in this fine city and short of cash? Fret not. WhereTo.sg App has a complete range of information on ATMs, AXM machines, bus stops, food centers, wet markets, supermarkets, dialysis centers, S’pore Pools outlets and so much more. This App will show you the location of the place, the estimated time, the exact distance, and the establishment’s operating hours.

2. MOH IHEALTH SG

Available on ITunes and Google Play

Wishing you can easily search for Singapore’s healthcare establishments and healthcare professionals? Wish granted! Lucky for you, Singapore Ministry of Health has compiled a list of clinics locations and its telephone numbers. An interesting feature is that you can view the live feed of the queue in the reception area.

3. SINGAPORE TRANSIT

Available on ITunes

There is a more convenient way to travel. Singapore Transit App has the SMRT rail map, taxi numbers, and bus schedules – all in one handy App.

4. ICHANGI

Available on ITunes, Google Play, and BlackBerry Webstore

Are you traveling through Changi Airport soon or maybe just picking up some of your loved ones? Then feel at ease with the IChangi App. This free app gives you real-time flight arrival and departure information so you would not miss a flight. Its push notifications feature will allow you to receive updates automatically. Information about latest promotions, shopping, dining, and terminal services are also available.

5. THE STRAIT TIMES SOSHIOK

Available on ITunes and Google Play

Shiok, in Singlish, is an expression of excellence or satisfaction. What better way to reach satisfaction than indulging in delectable dishes? The Strait Times SoShiok App is packed with reviews from Strait Times’ food critics. It has restaurant listings that are organized per dish or cuisine. The best thing about this App is its rewards system. Users can win monthly prizes or redeem goodies from their store.

6. HUNGRYGOWHERE

Available on ITunes and Google Play

HungryGoWhere App allows its users to search for island-wide or nearby by dining places arranged per cuisine, price, and distance. You can also post reviews or read articles to check the latest food trends such as the “Top 10 Japanese Restaurant”.

7. HOSAY!

Available on ITunes

Master the language of Singlish with this cool and free App. It comes with 80 unique Singaporean expressions and their meanings. Learn how to pronounce phrases such as “wah lau” or “jialat”. A review by Kitty966 even added that this really funny App has accurate pronunciations.

Image Credits: Hosay! via Itunes

Complete with insults, kopitiam, gambling, and character lingo – this App will surely brush up your Singlish skills while tickling your funny bone.

6 Ways To Slash Your Costly Mobile Phone Bills

Prevent exceeding your monthly budget by taking control over your mobile or hand phone bills. May these tips help you save some of your hard earned money…

1. IDENTIFY YOUR MONTHLY USAGE

Look onto your carrier’s usage information or last month’s billing statement and check your monthly usage. Identify what you really need in terms of number of texts, call minutes, and Internet data each month. Then, start comparing the telecommunication plans available to get the best and cheapest deal.

2. CONTEMPLATE ON YOUR MOBILE PLAN

Examine your plan carefully. What is your telecommunication’s limit for your local and overseas calls, texts, and data usage per month? Does it harmonize with your actual usage? The truth is, majority of people do not maximize the use of their plans. Most under consume and over paying for the phone service they are using. So, consider switching to a lower plan or going on prepaid to save more money and to actually stretch your dollar’s worth.

3. AVOID EXTRA FEE BY COMMITTING TO YOUR CONTRACT

Before you switch to a new telecom, honor your current contract term first. Most companies have a two-year contract. Doing your research on the terms and conditions can save you from paying additional fees.

4. SAVE ON INTERNET DATA USAGE

Avoid exceeding your monthly data allowance by regulating the phone’s settings. For Android users, go to settings then, click data usage to set a limit for a month. If you are using iOS, go to settings then, click cellular to track your cellular data usage every month.

5. USE WI-FI AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

Using 3G or 4G does not only cost you more but it also decreases your battery life easily. Instead, use Wi-Fi whenever possible. Take advantage of the free Internet network services provided by your school or workplace and save money.

6. REDUCE YOUR CALLS AND TEXTS

Use Free Apps that provide call and text services without adding extra charges to your plan since you are using Wi-Fi connection anyway. These free online Apps are Line, Viber, Tango, and Facebook Messenger among others.

Image Credits: Sam Azgor via Flickr

5 Free Video Editing Apps You Should Download Now

Do you want to share your beautiful memories captured on videos but think that it needs extra effects or finishing touches? Fret not because many Video Editing Apps that have a near-professional quality are available for free on iTunes and Google Play store. Check these 5 Video Editing Apps to add a personal shine to your videos…

1. SOCIALCAM

Available for IOS and Android devices

Socialcam App fuses the power of video editing and social network. It allows you to add vintage filters to your videos that you can share to your friends anywhere. You can also view the other videos uploaded in the community. What is great about this App is that it lets the users shoot at a 720p HD quality while using its HDR functionality to color-correct videos in real time. Also, you can shoot as long as you want.

2. MAGISTO

Available for IOS and Android devices

Magisto App is basically an editing shortcut right in your fingertips. All you need to do is upload a video, choose your theme and background music then, the App will do the rest. It automatically selects the best scenes to create a better video.

3. CINEFY

Available for IOS devices

Basic yet productive are the words to describe Cinefy. Cinefy App has a user-friendly interface that lets you select from over a hundred of special effects and animations that you can add on your video. You may also add your favorite song from ITunes.

4. MONTAJ

Available for IOS devices Montaj App allows you to shoot a series of 5-second clips that you may sort in a storyboard where you can add music and filter. A cool feature if you are willing to try your luck is to shake your smartphone to let the App choose a random song and filter for your video. Here is a sample:

5. CUTE CUT

Available for IOS devices

As a user myself, if I were to describe Cute Cut briefly I would say it is a handy moviemaker. The Cute Cut App guides the newbie with its pop-up help tips. Its features include: drawing on your video, changing the videos’ borders, drag-and-drop layout, and customizing your video with music effects, texture, transitions, and shadows. Not bad for a Free App!

How Safe Are Online or Mobile Money Transfer Services?

Money Transfers that lets you send money in just the few clicks of the mouse or the few taps of your hand seemed unimaginable decades ago. But nowadays, online and mobile apps are sprouting everywhere. Its convenience to send money to your friend for instance, even if you live far away from each, keeps you tempted to use it.

However, when you allow doing the transactions online with your personal details, you are also vulnerable to identify theft, fraud, hackers, or worse. This is why it is important to ensure that you enable all the security features that the company offers. Here are some of them…

1. SQUARE CASH

Square, Inc. is a company that permits individuals and merchants in the United States, Canada, and Japan to accept offline debit and credit cards on their iOS or Android smartphone or other tablet devices.

Square has SSL to protect your identity and activity. Also, the company makes sure that your personal data and password are encrypted. However, they do not have two-factor authentication and notifications that tell you when your password has been changed or when you have added a new account.

2. PAYPAL

PayPal is one of the largest online money transfer services available worldwide. It is available on your laptop, smartphones, or tablet devices. Its international digital wallet allows business to make payments and transfer money fast without the traditional paper methods.

Unlike Square Cash, PayPal protects your account further by allowing two-factor authentication and notifications as soon as account changes have been made. They warn the users to watch their transactions and assist them through the help pages. They also offer SSL to protect your identity and activity. Lastly, your personal data and password are encrypted.

3. GOOGLE WALLET

Google Wallet, developed by Google, is an online money service that allows the users to store their debit cards, credit cards, loyalty cards, and gift cards as well as redeeming sales promotions through the mobile application.

Google has a strong protection wall like PayPal. They offer a huge volume of information on how to be safe when using their services. Putting money in your Google Wallet account or paying online is a breeze however; getting your balance back is quite difficult. This may seem less convenient but it is good from a safety perspective.

Image Credits: www.google.com.sg/wallet/

In conclusion, older and tested money services such as PayPal and Google Wallet have set up a tougher protection wall. And, if you choose to use these services, be sure to enable all its security features and be vigilant about your cash flow at all times.

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