As technology continues to advance, so do the methods that scammers use to steal our personal information. One of the most common forms of scamming is through phone calls and text messages. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most prevalent types of call and texting scams, and what you can do to avoid falling victim.
Texting Scams
Texting scams are a popular method used by scammers to steal personal information, and they can be incredibly convincing. Here are some examples of the most common types of texting scams:
- “Accidental” Texts: Scammers will send a message pretending to be someone else who has accidentally sent a text to the wrong person. They may claim that they are a friend, family member, or colleague, and they need you to help them out by sending them money or personal information.
- Prize Scams: These scams often claim that you have won a prize, like a gift card or a vacation. They will ask you to provide your personal information, like your name, address, and phone number, to claim your prize. Once they have your information, they can use it for identity theft or to sell to other scammers.
- Phishing Scams: These types of scams are designed to trick you into giving away your personal information. They may appear to be from a legitimate source, like your bank or credit card company, and ask you to click on a link to update your account information. Once you click the link, the scammers can steal your login credentials and other sensitive information.
Here are some examples of common phishing scams via text:
- Package Pickup Scams: These scams often pretend to be from a delivery company, like FedEx or UPS, and claim that you have a package waiting for you. The message will ask you to click on a link to schedule a pickup, but the link will actually take you to a fake website that is designed to steal your personal information.
- Banking Scams: Banking scams will often pretend to be from your bank or credit card company and ask you to update your account information. The message will ask you to click on a link to go to a fake website, where you will be asked to enter your account login details and other personal information.
- Social Media Scams: Social media scams are becoming increasingly common and can be spread via text message. The message may claim to be from a friend or family member and ask you to click on a link to view a video or picture. However, the link will take you to a fake website that is designed to steal your personal information or install malware on your device.
The Detrimental Effects of Scams
Scammers can cause a lot of damage, both financially and emotionally. They can steal your personal information and use it to open credit accounts, take out loans, and make purchases in your name. This can lead to a damaged credit score and a long and difficult process of trying to restore your identity. Additionally, scams can lead to feelings of embarrassment, fear, and vulnerability.
You may think, “What’s the harm in responding to an accidental text message?”
Responding to these messages can be harmful in several ways. First, it can confirm to the scammer that your phone number is active, which can lead to more scam messages in the future. Second, the scammer may try to engage you in conversation to gain your trust and then ask for personal information, such as your full name, address, or social security number. If you provide this information, it can be used to steal your identity or commit fraud.
Additionally, some “accidental” text messages may contain malware payloads, which can be installed on your device if you click on a link or download a file. These malware payloads can steal your personal information or give the scammer access to your device.
To avoid harm from “accidental” text messages, it is best to ignore them and not respond. If you do respond, do not provide any personal information and do not click on any links or download any files. Be wary of any messages that ask for personal information, even if they seem innocent or are presented as a mistake.
Avoiding the Potential Detriment
Here are some ways you can protect yourself from falling victim to call and texting scams:
- Be cautious of any unsolicited messages you receive. Don’t respond to messages from unknown senders and be suspicious of messages that claim to be from someone you know but seem out of character.
- Don’t click on links in text messages or emails, especially if they are from an unknown sender. If you receive a message from a company or organization, go to their official website to verify the information.
- Use a spam filter or call blocking app to filter out unwanted messages and calls.
- Verify the sender. If you receive a message from a company or organization, go to their official website to verify the information. Don’t click on links in the text message or email.
- Don’t provide personal information. Don’t provide personal information, like your social security number, credit card information, or login credentials, to anyone who contacts you unsolicited. If you are unsure, call the company or organization directly to verify the request.
- Use anti-malware software. Install anti-malware software on your device to protect against phishing scams and malware payloads.
Malware Payloads
Malware payloads are a type of software that can be embedded in text messages or email attachments. These payloads can be used to steal your personal information or damage your device. Here’s how they work:
- Phishing Payloads: Phishing payloads can be used to steal your login credentials or other sensitive information. They may appear as a link in a text message or email that directs you to a fake login page. Once you enter your information, the payload can steal it and send it to the attacker.
- Ransomware Payloads: Ransomware payloads can encrypt your files and demand payment in exchange for the decryption key. These payloads may be embedded in email attachments or text messages.
- Keylogger Payloads: Keylogger payloads can track your keystrokes and capture your login credentials, credit card information, and other sensitive data. They may be embedded in text messages or email attachments.
Call and texting scams are a serious threat that can have detrimental effects on your personal and financial well-being. It is important to be vigilant and take steps to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.
If you do suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam, take immediate action by reporting it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (https://www.ftc.gov/) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (https://www.ic3.gov/Home/ComplaintChoice). Additionally, you should take steps to protect your personal information, such as freezing your credit and changing your passwords.
Remember, scammers are always coming up with new and inventive ways to steal your information, so it is important to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest scams. By being cautious and taking steps to protect your personal information, you can help to ensure that you don’t become a victim of call and texting scams.
References
Federal Trade Commission. (2022). How to avoid a texting scam. Retrieved from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-texting-scam
Internet Crime Complaint Center. (2022). IC3 Issues Alert on Text Messaging Scam. Retrieved from https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2022/PSA220208.aspx
Symantec. (2022). How Malware Works. Retrieved from https://www.symantec.com/content/dam/symantec/docs/white-papers/how-malware-works-03-30-2017-en.pdf