These days, our phones they are constantly flooded with notifications and it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish legitimate messages from potential scams. Bill from Mesa, Arizona, recently shared an experience that underscores this growing concern:
“Twice in the past week I’ve received messages that purported to be sent elsewhere. The last one asked me if I was ‘free tomorrow night.’ I didn’t recognize the number but I’m active in the seniors park so I received a lot of calls and messages from unknown numbers.A few minutes later I got a message asking if I was Mrs. Amy.I sent a message that I’m not Mrs. Amy and I never was but that was the problem.
“There was a text back thanking me for being so nice and because the texter appreciates decent people and if I was ever in LA I’d be welcome to a backyard barbecue. Looking back, there were a few more messages which ended with ‘I like to make friends with decent people.’ The first text I deleted was in a very similar spirit and format. Is this a scam and why, for what?”
Bill’s experience is not unique. Many people receive similar messages that at first seem innocuous, but could potentially be part of more sinister scheme. Let’s dive into the world of SMS scams and learn how to protect yourself.
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A man is texting on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Anatomy of a text message scam
Text message scams, also known as “smiling,” a combination of SMS and identity theft, are becoming more and more sophisticated. Scammers use different tactics to engage potential victims and gain their trust. Here are some common elements:
Unknown numbers: The message comes from a number you don’t recognize. For example, you received an SMS from +1-555-123-4567, a number that is not in your contacts.
Unsolicited contact: The text arrives unexpectedly, often with a friendly or urgent tone. Example: “Hey! Long time no see. How are you?”
Personal touch: A scammer might use your name or mention a common activity to make it seem legitimate. Example: “Hi Sarah, this is Mike from the book club. Are you coming to the meeting next week?”
Too good to be true: Prize offers, invitations or other tempting offers are common. Example: “Congratulations! You’ve won a $500 gift card. Click here to claim your prize!”
Requests for information: A scammer can ask for personal information, either directly or indirectly. Example: “This is your bank. We need to verify your account. Please reply with your account number and PIN.”
Remember, these are all examples of potential scams. Always be cautious when receiving unexpected messages, especially those that ask for personal information or contain suspicious links.
A person sends messages on a phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Understanding 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:
Identity theft for information: Gradual collection of personal data that can be used for identity theft.
Malware distribution: It ends up sending a link that, when clicked, installs malware on your device.
Financial fraud: Building trust to possibly ask for money or financial information.
A person sends messages on a phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to recognize suspicious texts
To protect yourself from text message scams, follow these steps:
- Check the sender: See the full email address or phone number, not just the display name.
- Analyze the content: Be wary of messages with urgent subjects, grammatical errors, or strange URLs.
- Check independently: If the message claims to be from a known entity, contact them through official channels to confirm.
- Trust your instincts: If something is wrong, it probably is. Don’t let decency override your judgment.
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A man is texting on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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What to do if you suspect fraud
If you believe you have received a fraudulent message, follow these six steps:
1. Do not answer: Avoid contact with the scammer to prevent further attempts.
2. Block the number: Use your phone’s built-in blocking features to prevent further contact.
- For iPhone: Open it messagetouch sender’s name or numberchoose “Information,” then “Block the caller.”
- For Android: Open it messagelong press conversationtouch three point menu and select “Block” or “Block and report spam.” You may need to confirm your decision by clicking That. WITHthe settings may differ depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.
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3. Report the message: Forward suspicious text to 7726 (SPAM). Also, report it directly to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
4. Keep your data safe: Never click on links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited messages.
5. Have strong antivirus software: Install and run powerful antivirus apps on your phone to scan for malware and ensure your device is safe. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your personal information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
6. Invest in personal data removal services: Consider using a data removal service to eliminate your personal data 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 removal of your information from hundreds of data broker sites.
While no service promises to remove all of your data from the Internet, a removal service is great if you want to continuously monitor and automate the process of removing your data from hundreds of sites continuously over a long period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
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While it’s natural to want to be polite, as Bill was, remember that your safety and personal information are paramount. Trust your instincts, check unknown contacts and never hesitate to ignore or block suspicious messages. Remember, a real friend won’t mind if you take extra steps to verify their identity, and a legitimate organization will have official channels of communication.
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How have you or someone you know been affected by text message 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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