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Worried about mobile scams or losing your data? These 5 easy tips will help you secure your phone, protect your personal info, and stay connected with confidence.
Your phone is more than just a screen — it’s your connectionto family, benefits, emergency support, and everyday life. Whether you'rechecking in with loved ones or managing your plan with Excess, keeping thatconnection safe is everything.
But let’s be real — scammers, shady apps, and security risks are out there. And they’re getting sneakier. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect yourself.
In fact, just a few simple habits can help keep your device secure and your information out of the wrong hands. Let’s break down 5 easy ways to stay connected and protected — starting today.
Think of your phone like your front door. Would you leave it wide open with a welcome sign for strangers? Nope. That’s why having a strong lock screen is rule #1 when it comes to mobile safety.
A good PIN or passcode keeps your personal info — texts, photos, contacts, even your Lifeline benefits — protected if your phone ever gets lost or stolen. And don’t make it easy for intruders:
Go for something that’s hard to guess and known only by you. And if your device supports it, take it up a notch with fingerprint or face unlock.
Pro Tip: Go to your phone's Settings > Security to set or update your screen lock right now. It takes 30 seconds, and it could save you a whole lot of headaches later.
Just like you wouldn’t eat food from a sketchy gas station sushi bar (no judgment, but… yikes), you shouldn’t download apps that look suspicious either. Malicious apps can sneak in viruses, steal your info, or slow your phone down to a crawl.
Here’s how to keep it clean and safe:
Pro move: Delete any apps you don’t recognize or use— less clutter, less risk, more space for selfies and streaming.
Ever get a text that says something like,
“URGENT! Your account is suspended. Click here to fix it now!”
Scam texts and fake calls — aka phishing — are getting slick. They’re designed to trick you into clicking shady links or giving up personal info like your phone number, login details, or even your Social Security number. But with a few easy checks, you can spot the fakes from a mile away:
Red Flags to Watch For:
What to do instead:
Don’t click links or respond to unknown messages
If you’re unsure, go straight to the source — log in to your Excess MyAccount or call our real support team
Block and report the number if it feels fishy
Stay alert, stay smart, and if in doubt — don’t tap that link.
Look, nobody plans to lose their phone. But whether it slips between couch cushions, takes a surprise swim, or pulls a disappearing act at a music festival — it happens. And when it does? A recent backup can save the day.
Backing up your phone means saving all the good stuff — your contacts, messages, photos, and app data — to the cloud, so it’s safe even if your phone isn’t.
Here’s how to back it up
Bonus tip: Write down your most important phone numbers somewhere safe. (Yes, like on actual paper. Old-school, but solid.)
Bottom line: If your phone pulls a vanishing act, you won’t lose everything — just the phone itself. And we can always help you with the SIM replacement part.
We get it — those little “Update Available” pop-ups? Super easy to ignore. But here’s the thing: they’re not just about cool new features or fixing typos. Updates are crucial for keeping your phone safe.
App and software updates patch up security holes that hackers love to sneak through. The longer you wait, the more vulnerable your phone becomes — and that’s a risk you don’t need.
Quick wins
On Android: Go to Settings> System > System Update
On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Pro tip: Updating regularly can also make your phone run smoother and last longer — like a tune-up for your tech.
