How to Spot and Avoid Scam Text Messages
Scammers are getting innovative in our digital world. One method is “smishing.” These messages are meant to trick you into giving up personal information, financial information, or installing malware. To avoid these scams, watch out for:
1. Scammers utilize urgency to deceive recipients in text messages. Avoid texts claiming your account will be suspended, your package is delayed, or your account has been compromised. Scammers use terror to get you to act without thinking.
2. Personal Information Requests: Legitimate firms never text for personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card data, or passwords.
3. Unusual Sender ID: Verify the sender’s phone number or name. Scammers may use fake phone numbers or generic sender IDs like “BankAlert” or “AppleSupport” to appear real.
4. Misspellings and Grammar Mistakes: Beware of these unprofessional messages.
5. Too Good to Be True Offers: Tempting messages about freebies, discounts, or rewards might be a trap to steal personal information or lead to harmful links.
6. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in text messages from unfamiliar sources. These URLs can install malware or lead to fraudulent sites..
7. Be wary of unexpected requests for money or gift cards from friends or relatives, especially if the tone or wording is strange. Scammers may imitate contacts to gain trust.
8. Do not respond to texts from unknown numbers claiming to be from genuine organizations. Verify their validity through the company website or call customer support. Do not use the questionable message’s contact info.
When unsure about a text message, delete it without responding or clicking on any links.
In conclusion, fraudulent text texts require awareness. Be cautious, check information, and never text personal or financial information. Staying aware and skeptical can greatly lower your chance of smishing scams. And, as always, if in doubt CALL TECH TIME!
Examples of a SCAM text message:
