Yes, it's definitely possible for someone to spy on your text messages and it's certainly something you should be aware of – this is a potential way for a hacker to gain a lot of private information about you – including accessing PIN codes sent by websites used to verify your identity (such as online banking).
Spyware can be used by anyone, not just hackers
The app can be installed remotely on an iPhone if you have the proper iCloud credentials. For Android phones, someone will need to install it on the phone directly. Once that's done, your messages and more can be intercepted.
For Android phones, someone will need physical access to install it. Once that's done, your messages and more are in another person's hands. mSpy certainly isn't the only app of its kind out there. Other apps to watch out for include SpyBubble, XNSPY, Cocospy, Spyera, EyeZy, uMobix, and Hoverwatch.
Phishing emails and smishing texts via SMS or WhatsApp are among the most common types of fraud. Your iPhone could be hacked if you reply, call the numbers, or click on any malicious links.
Phones are popular targets for hackers, because they contain so much personal information all in one place. Smartphones hold everything from email and phone contacts to banking and website login credentials.
Anomalous data usage
If you notice any strange data usage spikes, it may be a sign of spy apps. If someone is spying on your cell phone, they're using the network to download the data collected on you. If, for some reason, you're not tracking your data usage, you should start paying attention right away.
Mysterious apps, calls, or texts appear: A potential telltale sign that your phone has been hacked is the appearance of new apps that you didn't download, along with spikes in data usage that you can't account for. Likewise, if you see calls in your phone's call log that you didn't make, that's a warning as well.
Directly replying to a spam text message lets a spammer know that your number is genuine. After you reply, they can sell your phone number to other spammers who might bombard you with false promises of free gifts and product offers. Instead, it's best to block and report the number.
Mobile spyware, sometimes called stalkerware, can be installed onto your phone to monitor information such as calls, text messages, emails, location, photos, and browsing history. In some cases it may be able to take photos and record nearby conversations.
The Bottom Line: Stay Safe by Ignoring Spam Texts
Just receiving a text message isn't dangerous. But engaging with it in any way — including clicking, replying, or calling — puts you at risk. If you think a message is spam, the best thing you can do is ignore it.
The best way to do this is to install an intruder detection app that takes a certain action when someone tries to spy on or tamper with your cell phone. The Certo Mobile Security app for Android devices is the best way to catch someone in the act.
That's because the texts are being sent to an ID that is listed as an iMessage receive ID on both devices. See Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > You can be reached by iMessage at: Correct this so each device has a unique ID.
yes and no. if you're using a rooted android device it is *possible* that a text message can install malware onto a phone just by being received if your device isn't locked down.
If you receive a text message from someone you know that starts off with strange characters or even odd shapes (squares, for example), it is most likely a text from a hacker who is hoping you'll open it and read the message. If you open the message, you will download spyware or malware on your phone.
Android devices are more susceptible but the hacker may have to change a few simple settings in the security. There are lots of these spy apps available on the market, but the two most available and commonly used apps are FlexiSpy and mSpy.
Check for background apps
A more advanced malicious operator wouldn't use such an obvious tactic, but checking for suspicious background apps on your iOS or Android device — usually by hitting the recent apps button on your phone — is a quick way to identify any issues.
Your Cellular Carrier Can See Your SMS Messages
With SMS, messages you send are not end-to-end encrypted. Your cellular provider can see the contents of messages you send and receive.
Scammers send fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information — things like your password, account number, or Social Security number. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers.
Smishing, or SMS phishing, is a type of fraud in which scammers use text messages to try and extract personally identifiable information (PII) from their targets. They then use this stolen information for different types of identity theft-related crimes.
Yes, you should be able to remove a hacker by doing a factory reset on your phone. Keep in mind that this solution will remove all of your data, including contacts, third-party apps, photos, and other files. You will need to set up your phone entirely from scratch.
Step 1: Change your passwords
On accounts or devices that contain sensitive information, make sure your password is strong, unique—and not easily guessable. Adding your birthday to your mother's maiden name won't cut it.
While it is technically possible for a phone to be hacked when turned off, the risks are relatively low, and the likelihood of an attack occurring is even lower. However, it is essential to remember that phones can still be vulnerable to hacking when turned on, especially if they are not adequately secured.