Text scams: What you need to know about smishing

In an era where we're all super-glued to our phones, it's not shocking that scammers are slipping into our texts, trying to trick us into giving away our info or money. These sneaky messages, often called "smishing," are getting more clever and catching a lot of us off guard. We’re here to help you understand what these text scams are all about, how they work, and most importantly, how to keep yourself safe from them.

Understanding text scams

These are tricky messages sent by bad actors pretending to be from places we trust, like our banks, government, or online stores. They usually have a sense of urgency to them, the goal being to make us feel like we need to act fast by clicking a link or sharing personal info. What they're really after, however, is our personal data, whether it’s to access devices and bank accounts, or to steal our identity. 

Common types of text scams

1. Bank impersonation: You get a text that seems like it's from your bank, saying something's fishy with your account and you need to check it by clicking a link.

2. Fake delivery notifications: With everyone shopping online, many scammers pretend to be delivery services – including the US Postal Service – saying there's a problem with your package and they need your info or money to fix it.

3. Government agency fraud: These messages pretend to be from official departments like the IRS or Social Security Administration saying you need to give information or pay up to avoid trouble.

4. Prize and lottery scams: These texts tell you you've won something big, but you need to give your details or pay a fee to get it (even if you never entered any contest).

How to protect yourself

1. Think before you click: Always take a moment to think if a message is real before clicking anything or sharing info. Check the sender’s phone number and/or email address. Often (though not always), that’s where you can spot a suspicious source. 

2. Verify the sender: If a text, email, or phone call seems to be from a place you trust, check with them directly through their official contact methods to make sure it's legit.

3. Don't share personal info: Legitimate agencies and companies won't ask for your sensitive details for any reason, whether by text or email. Be extremely cautious with any message that does.

4. Use spam filters: Many phone companies have tools to help spot and block spam texts. Turning these on can help keep you safer.

5. Report scams: If you get a fishy text, tell the right people like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your phone company to help stop these scams from spreading.

6. Stay informed: Keep up with the latest on scams so you can spot and dodge the new tricks scammers come up with.

FAQs: Understanding and protecting yourself from text scams

Q: What are text scams?

A: Text scams, also known as smishing, involve fraudulent messages sent over text designed to deceive you into giving away personal information, money, or to install malware on your device.

Q: How do scammers choose their targets for text scams?

A: Scammers often use random or easily obtainable lists of phone numbers. In some cases, they may target specific individuals if they have access to more detailed personal information.

Q: What are some common signs of a text scam?

A: Common signs include unexpected requests for personal or financial information, urgent or threatening language, links to unfamiliar websites, and offers that seem too good to be true. Sender phone numbers or addresses that don’t match the official organization’s handles and identifiers are another sign. 

Q: What should I do if I receive a suspicious text message?

A: Do not click on any links or provide any information. Instead, verify the sender by contacting the organization directly using official contact details. Then, report the message to the appropriate authorities.

Q: Can responding to a scam text make me more vulnerable?

A: Yes, responding can indicate to scammers that your phone number is active, potentially leading to more targeted attacks. Clicking links within the message could also download malware. It's best to ignore and delete these messages.

Q: How can I protect myself from text scams?

A: Be cautious with unsolicited messages, never share personal information via text or any other method without confirming the source, use spam filters provided by your phone carrier, and stay informed about the latest scam tactics.

Q: Are there particular times of the year when text scams are more prevalent?

A: Scams can occur at any time, but there may be an increase during holiday seasons or tax season when people are more likely to be making transactions or sharing sensitive information.

Q: What steps can I take if I've accidentally clicked on a link in a scam text?

A: Immediately disconnect your device from the internet, run antivirus software, change any compromised passwords, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. Consider notifying your bank if financial information was involved.

Q: How can reporting a scam text help?

A: Reporting scam texts to authorities like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your phone carrier helps them track scam trends and potentially take action against the scammers, reducing the risk for others.

As technology evolves, so do the methods scammers use to exploit it. Text scams have become a significant threat, but by staying vigilant and informed, you can take steps to protect yourself from falling prey to these deceptive tactics. Remember, your best defense is a healthy dose of skepticism — if a message seems too good to be true or unexpectedly alarming, it likely is.