Recognizing text scams is an important skill to help avoid scams. They are becoming more common and difficult to identify every day. In fact, as I’m typing this, I’ve received a fake USPS text claiming I need to click a link in order to direct my package (I haven’t sent a package through USPS in years.)
Massive scam operations send hundreds of thousands of texts using massive lists of active phone numbers that are created and sold using your personal data. The goal of all of these texts is generally the same; steal your personal information or money. Their methods vary from pretending to be an Amazon representative claiming you need to update your information, to spoofing an online banking landing page in order to steal your login details.
As a rule of thumb, NEVER click a link from a text you were not expecting. It’s extremely likely it originated from a scam operation. Block the number you received the text from immediately and do not interact with it.
How Can I Prevent Scam Texts and Calls?
There are several options for limiting the amount of spam and scam texts you receive. The FTC recommends using ctia.org as a resource to help fight robocalls and scam texts. Find a reputable third party call-blocking app that can help filter scam messages. Your phone carrier will also often have a spam-blocking option to help you deter unwanted calls.
Add you phone number to the Do-Not-Call registry. This can help filter our many unwanted telemarketing calls. However, speaking from experience, some telemarketers will still slip through. If you continue to receive telemarketing calls after 31 days on the registry, report it to the FTC.
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