Are your text messages readable on your lock screen?

[winnertayksall]

If you get a text message when your phone screen is locked, can you read it without unlocking your phone? If so, you may need to change your privacy settings so that "sensitive" notification content is hidden. Otherwise, thieves who have your phone and your bank cards will be able to see the access code that your bank texts to you to get into your account.

E.g. See this story: www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-62809151.amp

I've attached a photo of the setting on my Moto Android phone, but it may be called something different on yours.

Thanks for posting this, really useful to know!

Good reminder OP!

I had read this article when it first happened. I'd already got my message previews turned off, but the other thing I changed, which I didn't know about, was to prevent my iPhone control panel being accessible without FaceID or password.

No-one can switch my phone to airline mode, or turn it off, without entering the passcode. Therefore if I lose it or it gets stolen, I have more chance of being able to track it with Find My iPhone.

Not 100% relevant to the point at hand, but useful all the same!

This is really important. There have been problems with exactly this in my local gym (well known national chain). People come in on guest passes and grab phones while people shower/leave bags unattended.

Mine is on show no notifications at all!

Mine shows I've had a message, but will only show what it says if I unlock the phone, or if I look at the phone (Face ID)

Mine was set up ok, but both of my sons' mesages were visible on their screens. They were a bit reluctant to change the setting until I pointed out I could see messages from their friends if they left their phones lying around at home. 🙂

Can I ask how you set that up? I've had a look on my iPhone and can't see where I'd do it. Thanks

Thanks for the tip @WireSkills have done that now

@GhoulNightWine found this on google

All that is required to Disable Control Center Access from Lock Screen is to go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and enter Lock Screen Passcode, when prompted. On the next screen, scroll down to “Allow Access When Locked” section and move the toggle next to Control Center to OFF position.

Brilliant, thanks both

A bit pointless as banking apps have the code far down in the message for this very reason

But the text you receive doesn't, depending on the bank.

Good point OP. I've just changed my settings.

Thank you. I've removed the access to my control panel and the message notifications.

Not that they'd get a shopping spree in anywhere other than greggs from me

I don't have anything on my lock screen. Thanks for the heads up about it though.

Thanks for the tip.

Surely Harrods and Balenciaga have good CCTV?

Not sure that's needed for online shopping

Online shopping would leave time for the transactions to be stopped before despatch. Besides the article also messages the thief “going shopping on Oxford Street” within a very short time frame.

That is how the scam works, steal the physical card, use it in store very quickly while the owner is still in the gym, walk away with physical goods and no chance of the transaction being cancelled.

So why no cctv evidence? Are they disguised?

So why no cctv evidence? Are they disguised?

I don't understand that either.

Doesn't the article also mention money being transferred from the victims account in some cases?