SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California.

December 11, 2020

5G PHONE SCAM 

5G is the new cellular phone technology that is currently being rolled out across the US. The aim of 5G is to make cellular communications, clearer, faster, and more reliable.

But 5G Phone confusion opens scam floodgates. Scammers use tricks when they spot the opportunity that flows from rumors and differences of opinion. Fake news has been mixed into the debate, So, it is no surprise that some people are genuinely scared.

The controversy has increased because some people believe the 5G towers, which handle the advanced communications, or even the phones that use them, emit dangerous levels of radiation. Scammers prey on concerned people whose fear and uncertainty make them vulnerable.

A recent 5G scam is a spurious claim that a new available device can eliminate or shield the electromagnetic waves emitted from cellular towers. There are reports crooks have been selling them for up to $400 apiece.

The most common of these devices plug into USB ports on computers, laptops, and all manner of mobile devices. The sellers claim it can neutralize electromagnetic emissions.

The scammers use fancy names and jargon words like “quantum” and “hologram” to try to convince victims of the device’s tech pedigree. In fact, says tech reporting site The Verge, it is just a cheapo, regular USB memory stick.

The Verge advises: “Please don’t waste your money on this piece of junk and remember: Radio waves can only spread computer viruses, not human ones.”

ATTRIBUTION: scambusters.org