Text message scams are big business for hackers — because they work a lot of the time. You may be plugging along in your day, not expecting anything to happen, and you receive a text message that seems innocent and asks how you’re doing. You respond back to ask who it is (because isn’t it nice that anyone should text and check in on you?). In the scammer’s mind, you’re both off to the races now. They’ll try every trick in the book to get you to divulge personal information and you may or may not be lured into the trap because the scammer is good at what they do and the message itself seems neutral or positive.
These are among the most common malicious text messages that scammers use to fool people out of their personal information.
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Fraud Alert Texts
When you receive a text message from your bank (supposedly) or credit card company claiming that you’re the victim of fraud, of course you’ll want to respond and provide information to help secure your accounts. Not surprisingly, the info required to ensure you are safe will include your social security number and banking information. While you may think providing this to the company is going to protect your account, the scammer is simultaneously using your information to wipe your accounts clean and get away with your money.
These types of texts commonly include fake IRS alerts, claims that payment for your subscriptions didn’t go through, and texts about purchases that you didn’t make.
Never Click on Links
If anyone you don’t know texts or emails and send you a link to click on, don’t do it. You could be directed to a website where malicious malware or spyware are downloaded onto your device. This is another tactic a spammer will use to get your information. The message will include some kind of seemingly pertinent warning or even a message about reward you’ve received. You’ll then be instructed to click on the link to find out more information and protect yourself (or collect your prize).
Most companies will not reach out via email or text, and if you look closer you’ll probably notice something is off about the message — the email address doesn’t seem legit or is misspelled, for example. When in doubt, call the company or person the message sender is claiming they are and verify that a message was sent before proceeding.
