Technology
Don't get fooled by fake phone updates and notifications
When it comes to updating apps on your phone, caution is key. Michelle from New Jersey recently reached out with a common concern:
“When you click on an app on your phone, and you get a message that it needs to be updated, click here, can you trust that this is legit? Or should you close out and go to the App Store?”
Great question, Michelle. App updates are essential for maintaining your device’s performance and security. They often include bug fixes, new features and security patches that protect against vulnerabilities. However, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, often using fake update notifications to trick you into downloading malware or providing personal information.
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App Store icon on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Identifying red flags
Being able to spot suspicious update notifications is crucial for maintaining your device’s security. Here are some specific signs that an update notification may be fraudulent:
1. Unexpected alerts from unknown apps
If you receive a notification from an app you don’t recognize, it is best not to engage with it. You should be especially wary of alerts claiming to be from system apps or security software that you didn’t install. To verify the legitimacy of the app, check your installed apps list to see if the app actually exists on your device.
For iPhone
- Tap the App Store icon on your iPhone’s home screen.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Apps, then tap My Apps to see a list of all apps you’ve downloaded.
- You will see “All” the apps currently installed on your device listed, and you can also see apps that are not currently installed by tapping “Not on This iPhone.”
- When you tap on “Not on This iPhone,” you will see a list of apps that you have previously downloaded or purchased but have since removed from your device.
For Android
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
- Tap the Google Play Store icon on your Android.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Manage apps & devices” from the menu options.
- Tap on the “Manage” tab, then select “Installed” to see all apps currently on your device. You can also check for any unknown apps here.
Regularly reviewing this list of apps helps you stay aware of what is installed on your device and allows you to identify any unfamiliar applications that may pose a security risk.
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2. Requests for personal information
Legitimate updates will never ask for sensitive data like passwords, credit card information or Social Security numbers. You should be suspicious of any update process that requires you to input personal details. Official updates are typically handled through your device’s operating system or app store, which already has your account information.
Fake iPhone update notification text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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3. Pop-ups asking to subscribe to calendars
Pop-ups requesting you to subscribe to calendars can fill your calendar with spam and phishing messages. Legitimate apps rarely, if ever, request calendar access through pop-ups during updates. Therefore, you should be cautious of any unexpected requests for access to your device’s features or data.
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4. Urgent or threatening language
Scammers often use fear tactics to prompt immediate action. You should be skeptical of messages claiming your device is at immediate risk or that you’ll lose data if you don’t update immediately. Legitimate updates are typically communicated in a calm and informative manner without using high-pressure tactics to rush users into making decisions.
A man received a fake update notification on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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5. Unusual update sources
Be cautious of updates that direct you to websites outside your official app store. Legitimate updates for mobile apps are typically conducted through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, which helps ensure that you receive safe and verified software. System updates should always come through your device’s built-in update mechanism, like the one below, to maintain security and integrity.
Legitimate iOS update (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
6. Spelling and grammatical errors
Official updates from reputable companies are usually well-written and free of obvious errors. If you notice poor spelling, grammar or formatting in an update notification, it can be a sign of a hastily created scam.
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7. Unexpected permissions requests
If an update suddenly asks for permissions that seem unrelated to the app’s function, this could be a red flag. For example, a calculator app shouldn’t need access to your contacts or camera.
A woman scrolling on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
8. Mismatched branding or visual elements
Pay attention to the visual details of update notifications. Scammers may use logos or color schemes that are slightly off from the official branding. Look for inconsistencies in font, styling or overall design compared to legitimate notifications you’ve seen before.
Tips for protecting yourself from fake notifications
To ensure your safety while navigating app updates, here are some simple tips to follow:
1. Be wary of email and text alerts; protect yourself with strong antivirus software
Manufacturers will not send you emails or texts prompting you to update your apps. Always treat such messages as suspicious and avoid clicking on any links as they may contain malware. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
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2. Close the app and verify
If you receive an unexpected update notification:
- Close the app immediately.
- Open your device’s official app store (Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS).
- Search for the app in question to check for any available updates.
This method ensures that you are only downloading updates from legitimate sources.
3. Check your device settings
You can also verify if there are any system updates available by checking your phone’s settings:
- For iPhone: Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update
- For Android: Go to Settings > System > System Update.
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Regularly checking for system updates can also enhance your device’s overall security. Before performing major updates, especially system updates, ensure that your data is backed up. This protects your information in case something goes wrong during the update process.
4. Enable automatic updates
Most smartphones allow you to enable automatic updates for apps and system software. This feature helps ensure that your applications are always up-to-date without requiring manual intervention.
For iPhone
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Select Software Update.
- Tap Automatic Updates and turn it on by swiping the button to the right.
- Go back to Settings, tap App Store.
- In the Automatic Downloads section, turn on App Updates by swiping the button to the right.
For Android
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Manage apps & devices.
- Tap on the Manage tab, then select Installed.
- Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner and select Auto-update apps.
- Choose your preferred option: Over any network or Over Wi-Fi only.
Even if you have automatic updates enabled, it’s a good practice to manually check for updates periodically. This ensures that you don’t miss any important updates that might not have been automatically installed.
5. Verify sources
Always ensure that updates are coming from verified sources. Only download software from official websites or app stores to avoid malware and phishing attempts.
6. Monitor app permissions
After updating apps, review the permissions they request. If an app asks for permissions that seem unnecessary for its function, consider whether you want to keep it installed.
7. Uninstall unused apps
Regularly review and uninstall apps that you no longer use. This reduces potential vulnerabilities and keeps your device clutter-free.
For iPhone
- Find the app you want to uninstall on your home screen.
- Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears, then tap Remove App.
- Select Delete App to confirm.
For Android
- Find the app you want to uninstall in your app drawer or home screen.
- Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears, then tap Uninstall.
- Tap OK to confirm the uninstallation.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
While keeping your apps updated is crucial for security and performance, it’s equally important to approach update notifications with skepticism. Verifying through official channels is always the safest route. By following these tips and staying informed about potential scams, you can protect yourself from cyberthreats while enjoying the benefits of updated applications.
What specific measures do you think the App Store and Google Play should implement to better protect users from fraudulent update notifications? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
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1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
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Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
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