these days, Our phones Constantly bombarded with notifications, it's becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between legitimate messages and potential scams. Bill from Mesa, Arizona, recently shared an experience that highlights this growing concern:
“Twice in the past week I've received text messages that were supposedly sent elsewhere. The last one asked me if I was available tomorrow evening.” I didn't recognize the number but I'm active at a senior citizen park so I get a lot of calls and texts from unfamiliar numbers and I texted that my wife thought we were available. A few minutes later, a text message arrived asking if I was Ms. Amy. I texted that I was not Ms. Amy and never had been, but it was a problem.
“A text came in thanking me for being so polite and the sender appreciated polite people, and if I was in LA, I'd be welcome to a backyard barbecue. Looking back, there were a few more texts that ended with 'I'd like to' Make friends with polite people The first text that I deleted was in the same way and form. Is this a scam and why?
Bell's experience is not unique. Many people receive similar messages that seem harmless at first glance, but are likely part of more Evil scheme. Let's delve into the world of text message scams and learn how to protect ourselves.
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Anatomy of a text message scam
Text message scams, also known as “SMS” The combination of SMS and phishing is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Scammers use different methods to engage potential victims and gain their trust. Here are some common elements:
Unfamiliar numbers: The message comes from a number you don't know. For example, you receive a text message from +1-555-123-4567, a number that is not in your contacts.
Unsolicited contact: The text arrives unexpectedly, often in a friendly or urgent tone. example: “Hey! Long time no see. How are you?”
Personal touch: The scammer may use your name or reference a popular activity to appear legitimate. example: “Hi Sarah, it's Mike from the book club. Are you coming to the meeting next week?”
Too good to be true: Prize offers, invitations, or other tempting suggestions are common. example: “Congratulations! You've won a $500 gift card. Click here to claim your prize!”
Requests for information: The scammer may ask for personal details, either directly or indirectly. example: “This is your bank. We need to verify your account. Please reply with your account number and PIN.”
Remember that these are all examples of potential scams. Always be careful when you receive unexpected messages, especially those that ask for personal information or contain suspicious links.
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Understand the scammer's strategy
In Bill's case, the scammer used a “long play” strategy. By engaging in friendly conversation and offering invitations, the scammer aims to build trust over time. The ultimate goal could be:
Phishing for information: Collect personal details that can be used gradually Identity theft.
Malware distribution: Finally, you are sent a link that, when clicked, will install malware on your device.
Financial frauds: Build trust to eventually ask for money or financial information.
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How to identify suspicious texts
To protect yourself from phishing text messages, follow these steps:
- Verify sender: Look at the full email address or phone number, not just the display name.
- Content analysis: Be wary of messages with urgent topics, grammatical errors, or strange URLs.
- Independently verified: If the message claims to be from a known party, contact them through official channels to confirm.
- Trust your instincts: If you feel something, it probably is. Don't let politeness override your judgment.
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What to do if you suspect a scam
If you think you've received a fraudulent text message, here are six steps to follow:
1. Do not respond: Avoid dealing with the scammer to prevent further attempts.
2. Block number: Use your phone's built-in blocking features to prevent further contact.
- iPhone: Open messagepress Sender's name or numberHe chooses “information,” then “Block caller“.
- For Android: Open message-Long press on conversationpress Three-point list And specify ““Block” or “Block and report spam.”You may be asked to confirm your decision by clicking Yes. SSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.
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3. Report the message: Redirect suspicious text to 7726 (Spam emails). Also report the matter directly to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
4. Keep your information safe: Never click on links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited text messages.
5. Have a powerful antivirus program: Install and run powerful antivirus apps on your phone to scan for malware and ensure your device is secure. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, and potentially access your private information, is to install antivirus software on all of your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2025 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
6. Invest in personal data removal services: Consider using a data removal service to remove your personal information from data broker sites. These services can help reduce spam, reduce the risk of identity theft, and clean up your online presence by automating the process of removing your data from hundreds of data broker sites.
Although no service promises to remove all your data from the Internet, getting a removal service is great if you want to continuously monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
Key takeaways for Kurt
While it's natural to want to be polite, as Bill was, remember that your safety and personal information are of the utmost importance. Trust your gut, check out unfamiliar contacts and never hesitate to ignore or block suspicious messages. Remember, a true friend won't mind if you take extra steps to verify their identity, and a legitimate organization will have formal channels of communication.
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How have you or someone you know been affected by text scams, and what steps have you taken to protect yourself? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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