Cybercriminals constantly find new ways to target unsuspecting people and exploit their personal information fraudulently. One prevalent method used to deceive people is through text message scams, or what is known as SMS phishing or Smishing. These scams involve sending deceptive text messages to trick recipients into divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Protecting yourself from text scams requires awareness, caution, and proactive measures.
Common Types of Text Scams
A critical component of protecting yourself from text scams is awareness. The following are some of the common types of text scams today:
- Phishing Texts. These texts impersonate legitimate organizations, such as banks, government agencies, or reputable companies, and attempt to trick you into providing personal or financial information. These texts often contain urgent messages claiming account issues or security alerts, urging you to click on a link or call a phone number to resolve the issue.
- Prize or Gift Card Scams. You may receive a text message claiming you’ve won a prize, gift card, or the lottery, and all you need to do is click on a link to claim the prize. Using that link, you’re asked to provide personal information to claim your winnings.
- Delivery Scams. Scammers send fake delivery notifications, claiming a package or letter awaits delivery. You are asked to click the link provided to track or reschedule the delivery. Clicking on the link may lead to malware installation or phishing attempts to steal personal information.
- Charity Scam. You may receive a text message soliciting donations for a fake charity or disaster relief efforts. These scams may contain an emotional appeal or urgent request for assistance, but the funds never reach legitimate charitable organizations.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Text Scams
Once you understand some common text scams, you must look for ways to protect yourself. Here is a list of suggestions to help:
- Be skeptical. Approach unsolicited text messages cautiously, especially if they request personal or financial information or convey a sense of urgency. Remember that legitimate organizations usually don’t request sensitive information via text message.
- Verify the sender’s identity. Pay attention to the sender’s phone number and verify its legitimacy before responding or clicking on any links. And do not open or click on any text message from an unfamiliar or suspicious phone number.
- Avoid clicking links. Refrain from clicking on links or attachments in text messages from unknown senders, as they may lead to phishing websites, malware downloads, or other malicious activities. Instead, independently verify the legitimacy of the sender and the message content.
- Don’t provide personal information. Never share personal, financial, or login information in response to unsolicited text messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted source. Legitimate organizations will not request sensitive information via text message.
- Install security software. Consider installing reputable security software on your mobile device to detect and block malicious texts, phishing attempts, and malware downloads. Keep your device’s operating system and apps updated to alleviate security vulnerabilities.
- Report suspicious messages. If you receive a suspicious text message, report it to your wireless carrier by forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your carrier identify and block spam messages to protect other users.
Text scams can significantly threaten your privacy, financial security, and peace of mind. By staying vigilant, exercising caution, and following these tips to protect yourself from text scams, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
