ShapsTech and Gadgets

How to Stop the Tracking Immediately

If you find evidence of tracking, take these immediate actions to secure your privacy:

Log Out of All Devices:
In the WhatsApp Linked Devices menu, tap on every unrecognized device and select Log Out to instantly cut their access.
Turn Off SMS Forwarding:
Open your dialpad, type # #002 #, and press call. This global command instantly deactivates all forms of conditional and unconditional call or text forwarding on your cellular network.

Enable WhatsApp Two-Step Verification: Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification and set up a custom 6-digit PIN. This prevents anyone from registering your phone number on another device, even if they steal your SMS verification code.

Turn on Security Notifications: In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account > Security Notifications and toggle on "Show security notifications." You will be alerted if a contact's encryption code changes, which happens if they switch phones or get compromised.

The "Nuclear Option"
Factory Reset: If you suspect deep background spyware but cannot find the app, back up only your vital photos and documents (do not restore a full system backup, as it may reinstall the malware) and perform a full Factory Data Reset on your phone.

HOW TO KNOW IF SOMEONE IS TRACKING YOUR WHATSAPP OR SMS SECRETELY.

To know if someone is tracking your WhatsApp and SMS chats, you need to look for unauthorized linked devices, check for hidden spy applications, and scan for malicious call or SMS forwarding settings on your phone.

Because both WhatsApp and SMS operate differently, a tracker will use different entry points to access them.

Here is exactly how to check your phone for tracking and how to stop it immediately.

1. Check for WhatsApp Tracking
WhatsApp chats are end-to-end encrypted, meaning hackers cannot easily intercept them mid-air. Instead, intruders track your WhatsApp by physically linking your account to another device or computer.

* Review Linked Devices: Open WhatsApp and navigate to Settings (iPhone) or tap the three dots in the top right corner (Android). Select Linked Devices. If you see any unrecognized web browsers, computers, or phones listed, someone is reading your chats in real-time.

* Look for Read Receipts: If you open a new conversation and notice that messages are already marked as read (blue checkmarks) before you have actually looked at them, someone else is likely reading them simultaneously from a linked device.

* Sudden Settings Changes: Check your profile picture, display name, or "About" section. Unauthorized changes indicate someone has compromised your account.

2. Check for SMS Tracking
Unlike WhatsApp, SMS text messages are not encrypted and can be intercepted via malicious background apps or mobile carrier features.

* Check Secret Call/SMS Forwarding:

Intruders can set up your phone number to silently forward your incoming calls and text messages to their own device.

* Open your phone's dialpad, type * #21 #, and press call.

* This universal MMI code will display a screen showing the status of your Voice, Data, and SMS forwarding. If it says "Forwarded" to a number you do not recognize, your messages are being intercepted.

* Look for Unexplained Outgoing Texts: Open your default SMS messaging app and look through your sent history. Spying software often sends hidden, automated outbound text messages to a tracker's server to sync your data.

* Review Carrier Shared Accounts: If your phone line is part of a shared family plan, the primary account holder can sometimes access text message logs, timestamps, or location data through the carrier's online portal.

3. Check for Device-Level Spyware (Affects Both)
If someone has installed a commercial "spy app" or "stalkerware" on your device, they can see everything on your screen, including WhatsApp and SMS.

Look out for these hardware red flags:

* Rapid Battery Drain: The phone loses battery percentage significantly faster than normal, even when you are not using it.
* Extreme Overheating: The phone feels physically hot to the touch because spy software is constantly running heavy processes in the background.
* Unexplained Active Permissions: Check your phone's privacy settings to see which apps are actively using your microphone, camera, or accessibility services.
* Mystery Applications: Go to your phone's main Settings > Apps > Manage Apps. Scroll through the entire list to look for unfamiliar apps, specifically those masquerading with generic names like "System Sync," "Battery Saver," or "Service".

For the last 50 days, Rebecca Wanzala, 27, has lived through anguish and uncertainty as she desperately searches for her missing husband, Fortune Muthina Kinyanzui, 34, who vanished without a trace under mysterious circumstances, with preliminary investigations by detectives now linking him to a sophisticated caller-ID spoofing fraud syndicate.

from Daily Nation

Read more: https://zurl.co/2ihdd

If you don't want any disturbance,block unwanted calls and relax in peace

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN REPLACING YOUR BROKEN PHONE SCREEN

Based on screen technology and quality, phone screen replacements generally rank from cheapest to most expensive in the following order:

TFT LCD (Thin-Film Transistor): CHEAPEST The most budget-friendly option. Often used in low-end, older, or cheaper, non-original replacements. They have lower brightness, contrast, and poorer viewing angles compared to others.

IPS LCD (In-Plane Switching): A better version of LCD, commonly found in mid-range phones. They offer more accurate colors and wider viewing angles than TFT but are still generally less expensive than OLED options.

Aftermarket/In-cell OLED: A third-party manufactured screen designed to emulate OLED performance at a lower price point. They are generally of good quality but may lack features like auto-brightness.

Hard OLED: A step up in quality from In-cell, offering better vibrancy. It is rigid and often used as a high-quality aftermarket option.

Soft OLED/Flexible OLED: These are used in flagship models and are more durable than hard OLEDs because they are built on a plastic substrate.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) / Refurbished: Screens made by the original manufacturers or refurbished original panels. These offer near-perfect quality and longevity but are significantly more expensive.

Genuine/Authorized Service Center Screens: The most expensive, high-quality replacement option, often supplied by companies like Apple or Samsung directly, ensuring full feature retention (e.g., True Tone, high refresh rate).

Bad news is here with us.

Hata fare ikitumwa KRA itakukata ushuru🚮

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is now directly integrating M-Pesa transaction data with iTax Kenya to auto-populate tax returns, aiming to curb tax evasion by comparing mobile money activity with declared income, particularly for small businesses and Nil-return filers.

Recent developments include mandating eTIMS compliance for all invoices, mandatory phone number authentication in iTax, and proposals to monitor mobile device IMEI numbers for tax compliance.

So pocket money, school fees, funeral money na hata fare ukitumiwa utakatwa ushuru

Here are the **latest (2025–2026) fraud trends currently being used to con M-Pesa users in Kenya**, based on recent reports and cybersecurity alerts:

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# # 1. SIM Swap Fraud (Most dangerous trend)

Fraudsters take over your phone number and then drain your M-Pesa.

**How it works:**

* They gather your ID details (from social media, leaks, or scams)
* Pretend to be you at a Safaricom shop or corrupt agent
* Get your SIM replaced without your knowledge
* They receive all OTPs and reset your M-Pesa PIN

**Red flags:**

* Your phone suddenly loses network completely
* You stop receiving SMS/calls unexpectedly

👉 This remains one of the biggest causes of full account takeovers in Kenya.

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# # 2. Fake “M-Pesa reversal” and wrong-send scams

Very common social engineering trick.

**How it works:**

* You receive a fake SMS: “You have received KSh 5,000”
* Immediately someone calls saying it was “sent by mistake”
* They pressure you to “reverse” or send money back

**Reality:**

* No money was actually sent
* You end up sending your own money to scammers

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# # 3. Phishing SMS & WhatsApp links (Fake Safaricom/KRA messages)

Scammers impersonate official institutions.

**Examples:**

* “Your M-Pesa account will be suspended, click to verify”
* “You have won a Safaricom loyalty reward”
* Fake KRA or KPLC payment alerts

**Goal:**

* Steal your PIN
* Install malware or capture login credentials ([Nairobi Connect][2])

---

# # 4. Fake Paybill / Till number scams (especially online sellers)

Increasing on Facebook, WhatsApp, Jiji, TikTok shops.

**How it works:**

* Fraudsters post “cheap deals”
* Give fake Paybill/Till numbers
* Once you pay, they disappear or block you

---

# # 5. Loan & investment “upfront fee” scams

Fast-growing in 2025–2026.

**How it works:**

* “Guaranteed loan in 5 minutes”
* Or “double your money in 24 hours”
* You are asked to pay a small fee via M-Pesa first
* After payment → they vanish.

---

# # 6. Fake customer care calls (impersonation scam)

Scammers call pretending to be:

* Safaricom
* Banks
* M-Pesa fraud department

They ask:

* “Confirm your PIN”
* “Share the code we just sent you”

👉 Real Safaricom NEVER asks for PIN or OTP

---

# # 7. Remote control / “help me fix your account” scams

Newer tactic linked to tech support fraud.

**How it works:**

* Scammer pretends to help fix M-Pesa issues
* Asks you to install apps like AnyDesk/TeamViewer
* Gains full control of your phone

---

# # 8. Fake job & “registration” scams

Common in Nairobi and WhatsApp groups.

* “Pay KSh 200 registration for job placement”
* “M-Pesa agent registration fee”
* Fake recruitment agencies

---

# # How to stay safe (quick checklist)

* Never share PIN or OTP
* Ignore urgent “account blocked” messages
* Always confirm Paybill/Till via official contacts
* Activate SIM protection (SIM lock)
* Don’t click unknown links in SMS/WhatsApp
* Be suspicious of “too good to be true” offers

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WhatsApp is rolling out a new username feature that allows users to create a unique identifier, enabling others to contact them without needing their phone number. This privacy-focused feature, currently in a limited rollout on Android and iOS, acts like a username on other social platforms, offering enhanced privacy by hiding phone numbers and allowing users to optionally set a 4-digit key for added security.

Safaricom has merged two apps,mpesa app and safaricom app into one app.

The move sits at the centre of Safaricom’s FinTech 2.0 strategy, which aims to push the company beyond telecoms into a broader technology platform by 2030.

By merging the M-PESA and mySafaricom apps with overlapping features, Safaricom is looking to reduce app switching and pull users into a single environment where behaviour and spending can be tracked more closely.

Meta is preparing to test new premium subscription tiers for WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram starting in early 2026.

These new subscriptions are designed to offer exclusive features and advanced tools for "everyday users," distinct from the existing Meta Verified service for creators and businesses.

Key Features Under Test
Advanced AI Capabilities: Paid users may gain access to Manus, a "truly autonomous" AI agent capable of planning trips and research, and the Vibes video generation tool.

Instagram Upgrades: Potential features include anonymous Story viewing, unlimited audience lists, and insights into which followers do not follow you back.

WhatsApp Enhancements: Tests suggest a move toward ad-free status updates or specialized business tools for regular users.

Facebook Controls: Premium tiers may offer more control over content sharing and increased limits for posting links.
Service Continuity

Core Features Free: Meta has emphasized that "core experiences" (basic messaging, posting, and browsing) will remain free of charge.