Text message scams target people of all ages with clever tactics designed to trick you into sharing personal information or sending money. Whether it’s a fake delivery notification, a too-good-to-be-true prize, or a warning about your bank account, these scams can be difficult to spot but devastating if they succeed. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed and cautious.

Common Types of Text Scams

Text message scams often come in familiar forms, such as:

• Phishing texts
  Messages that impersonate trusted companies or institutions, urging you to click a link to “verify” information.

• Fake prizes or lotteries
  Claims that you’ve won money or a free gift but require you to share personal information or pay a fee.

• Urgent warnings
  Threats about your account being locked or compromised, prompting you to act immediately without verifying the source.

• Delivery scams
  Texts claiming there’s an issue with a package delivery, accompanied by a link to fix the problem.

How to Identify a Scam

Recognizing a scam is your first line of defense. Here are a few red flags to watch for:

1. Unfamiliar senders
   If you don’t recognize the sender, proceed with caution.

2. Suspicious links
   Never click on a link without verifying its source. Scammers often disguise malicious links to look legitimate.

3. Grammatical errors
   Many scams are riddled with typos and awkward language.

4. Requests for personal information
   Legitimate companies won’t ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers or passwords via text.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text

If you suspect a text is a scam:

• Don’t respond
  Engaging with the scammer can make you a bigger target.

• Avoid clicking links
  Links may lead to malicious websites or download harmful software onto your device.

• Verify the message
  Contact the company or institution directly using official contact methods to confirm the message’s legitimacy.

• Report Scammers
  Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your mobile carrier.

Protect Yourself from Future Scams

Take proactive steps to guard against text scams:

• Enable spam filters on your phone to block unwanted messages.
• Be cautious with your phone number and avoid sharing it unnecessarily.
• Talk to friends and family about text scams to help keep them safe.
• Scammers are always evolving their tactics, so staying up to date on the latest scams can help you spot them.

Knowledge Is Your Best Defense

Text message scams can happen to anyone, but knowing how to recognize and avoid them is key to protecting yourself. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can safeguard your personal information and avoid falling victim to these schemes.

Have questions or concerns? We’re here to help. Reach out to us for support or additional resources to protect your financial well-being.

Categories: Peace of Mind