Smartphone Draining PAYG Balance

[Carl]

Perhaps some of the more tech savvy members know a trick I am missing - I have run out of ideas. Currently looking at a neighbour's smartphone which is draining the PAYG balance everytime a SIM card is installed.

I have done the usual background data turned off, location off, roaming off .... etc.

I use PAYG and set the neighbour's smartphone to exactly the same settings as my own phone but that had no effect, the balance still kept reducing.

Only non-standard Apps installed are WhatsApp, Lloyd's Bank and MyDataManager - the later I installed after the balance started disappearing to monitor data usage.

Any thoughts ?

[stowie39]

Which SIM provider is it Carl?

[stowie39]

My next step I think would be a factory reset I have a suspicion there's a bit of spyware hidden away there somewhere.

[stowie39]

Just been reading a O2 forum where this issue is discussed and the solution there is to turn mobile data off fully not just background or roaming.

[freddo]

Get a no frills contract from AHI Europa https://europa-network.es/ 11.90 E for 20gb no fixed contract

[Carl]

Sorry for not reply sooner Stowie and Fred.

Which SIM provider is it Carl?

It is Movistar.

My next step I think would be a factory reset I have a suspicion there's a bit of spyware hidden away there somewhere.

I did do a factory reset last week but unfortunately it had no effect. Spyware did cross my mind. Will try to get hold of the phone this morning and run Malwarebytes or similar just to rule out something is hiding on the phone and sturborn to get rid of.

Just been reading a O2 forum where this issue is discussed and the solution there is to turn mobile data off fully not just background or roaming.

Fairly sure that mobile data was turned off, but will check when I get the phone. It is still possible I suppose that the issue lies in the background data, whilst you can turn it off against each App some still carry on running regardless. I will also check out the 02 forum.

Get a no frills contract from AHI Europa https://europa-network.es/ 11.90 E for 20gb no fixed contract

I will pass that on Fred.

Thank you both for responding, and sorry it took so long for me to acknowledge.

[Carl]

Quick update.

Malwarebyres Avira Security found no viruses, but highlighted the neighbours email address had been compromised by a data breach of an image enhancing site.

Following a discussion with the customer helpline of the phone manufacturer, and a follow up discussion with one of their engineers, they believe there is a fault with the phone and it will be replaced under warranty.

[freddo]

Job well done Carl