It can be difficult to tell the difference between a text scam and a legitimate message. Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated in their tactics, so it is important to be aware of the warning signs. In this blog post, we will discuss seven common warning signs that you may be dealing with a scammer. Keep these tips in mind the next time you receive a message on your phone, and stay safe!
With every new form of communication, there’s the danger of fraudsters. Text spam and text scams may be an unwelcome privacy intrusion, and if you succumb to them, they might severely disrupt your life. Consider anyone who has been a victim of the Walmart text scam in 2020.
SMS scams generally have the same aim: stealing your money by obtaining your personal information, which people all over the world can now obtain with a single click. They’re also continuously changing. In 2019, the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker program identified 47,567 distinct text scams to its scam-tracking database.
Here are 7 Ways to Identify a Text Scam
1: Texts from People or Businesses You’re Not Familiar With
If you’re not familiar with the person who sent you the message, be wary.
Scammers will often try to trick you into thinking they’re someone you know or trust by spoofing a phone number. This makes it appear as if the text is coming from a friend, family member, or even a company you do business with.
If you’re not expecting a text from the sender, be especially cautious about clicking on any links or providing personal information. Legitimate businesses will never text you out of the blue and ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.
2: Unsolicited Texts With Attachments
Another common text scam is the unsolicited text with an attachment. This is usually a message from someone claiming to be from a government agency or well-known organization (like the IRS, FBI, or CDC). The message says that you need to open the attachment to find out more information about an important matter.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and don’t open any attachments from numbers or email addresses you don’t recognize. These attachments may contain malware that can infect your device and give the scammer access to your personal information.
3: Family or Friend Crisis Texts
One of the most heart-wrenching text scams is the family crisis text. In this scam, the fraudster will pose as a relative or close friend in need of urgent financial assistance. They might say they’ve been in an accident and need money for medical bills, or they’re stranded somewhere and need help getting home.
These texts can be very convincing, but it’s important to remember that scammers are experts at manipulating their victims. If you get a text like this, resist the urge to act immediately. Take a step back and try to verify the story by contacting the person through another method (like a phone call).
If you do wire money to someone because of this scam, there’s a good chance you’ll never see that money again.
While text messaging is a quick and convenient way to stay in touch, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that come with it. By familiarizing yourself with the most common text scams, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims. Stay safe out there!
4: Text Refunds or Prizes
Another common text scam is the text refund or prize. In this scam, you’ll receive a text message saying that you’re due for a refund or have won a contest. The message will include a link for you to click on to claim your prize.
Of course, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. If you click on the link, you’ll be taken to a fake website where you’ll be asked to provide personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details. Once the scammer has your information, they can use it to commit identity theft or fraud.
If you receive a text like this, just delete it and move on. Don’t let yourself be scammed out of your hard-earned money!
5: Government Messages
Another text scam that’s been making the rounds is the government message. In this scam, you’ll receive a text from someone claiming to be from a government agency (like the IRS or FBI). The message will say that you need to click on a link to provide information about an important matter.
Of course, this is just another way for scammers to get their hands on your personal information. If you click on the link, you’ll be taken to a fake website where you’ll be asked to provide sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details.
If you receive a text like this, don’t panic. Just delete it and carry on with your day. The government will never send you a text message like this, so there’s no need to worry.
6: Text From a Bank Confirming Your Login Information
Banks will never send you a text message asking you to confirm your login information. This is a common text scam that’s been used to steal people’s money.
If you receive a text like this, don’t reply. Delete the message and move on. Your bank will never ask you to confirm your login information via text, so this is a clear sign that someone is trying to scam you.
Don’t let yourself be scammed! Be aware of these common text scams and always think twice before clicking on any links or providing personal information. Stay safe out there!
7: Text Alerting You of Delivery Notification
The final text scam on our list is the delivery notification text. In this scam, you’ll receive a text message saying that a package has been delivered to your address. The message will include a link for you to click on to track the package or view the delivery details.
However, when you click on the link, you’ll be taken to a fake website where you’ll be asked to provide personal information like your name, address, and credit card number. Once the scammer has your information, they can use it to commit identity theft or fraud.
If you receive a text like this, don’t click on the link! Just delete the message and move on with your day. You can always track your packages through the official website of the shipping company. Don’t let yourself be scammed!
Here Are 5 Common Text Scam Examples
1: Walmart Text Scam
You receive a text message that says you’ve won a $1000 Walmart gift card. The message includes a link for you to click on to claim your prize.
However, when you click on the link, you’re taken to a fake website where you’re asked to provide personal information like your name, address, and credit card number. Once the scammer has your information, they can use it to commit identity theft or fraud.
2: Uber Code Text Scam
You receive a text message that says you’ve been sent an Uber code. The message includes a link for you to click on to view the code.
However, when you click on the link, you’re taken to a fake website where you’re asked to provide personal information like your name, address, and credit card number. Once the scammer has your information, they can use it to commit identity theft or fraud.
Uber will never send you a text message with a link asking you to confirm your account or provide personal information. If you receive a text like this, just delete it and move on.
3: FedEx Text Scam
You receive a text message that says a FedEx package has been delivered to your address. The message includes a link for you to click on to track the package or view the delivery details.
However, when you click on the link, you’re taken to a fake website where you’re asked to provide personal information like your name, address, and credit card number. Once the scammer has your information, they can use it to commit identity theft or fraud.
FedEx will never send you a text message with a link asking you to confirm your account or provide personal information. If you receive a text like this, just delete it and move on.
4: Craigslist Text Sam
You receive a text message from someone claiming to be interested in an item you have for sale on Craigslist. The text includes a link for you to click on to view the person’s contact information.
However, when you click on the link, you’re taken to a fake website where you’re asked to provide personal information like your name, address, and credit card number. Once the scammer has your information, they can use it to commit identity theft or fraud.
Craigslist will never send you a text message with a link asking you to confirm your account or provide personal information. If you receive a text like this, just delete it and move on.
5: Paypal Text Scam
You receive a text message from Paypal saying there’s been a problem with your account. The text includes a link for you to click on to confirm your account information.
However, when you click on the link, you’re taken to a fake website where you’re asked to provide personal information like your name, address, and credit card number. Once the scammer has your information, they can use it to commit identity theft or fraud.
Paypal will never send you a text message with a link asking you to confirm your account or provide personal information. If you receive a text like this, just delete it and move on.
These are just a few of the most common text scams that you should be aware of. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious when clicking on links and always think twice before providing personal information. Stay safe out there!
