These days, cell phones are buzzing with notifications all the time, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between legitimate messages and potential scam messages. Bill from Mesa, Arizona, recently shared an experience that highlights this growing concern.
“Last week I received two text messages that appeared to be sent to different locations. The last email asked, 'Can I contact you tomorrow evening?' I don't recognize the number. However, since I work at a senior citizen park, I receive calls and texts from unknown numbers. I got a lot of messages. I replied thinking it was my wife calling me. A few minutes later I got a text asking if I was Mrs. Amy. I emailed that I had never been Mrs. Amy, and that was a problem.
“The reply email thanked me for being polite, thanked the texter for being polite, and said that if I were in Los Angeles, I would be welcome to a backyard barbecue. When I looked back, there were several other emails that ended with “I like…”. Make friends with polite people. ” The first text I deleted had very similar content and format. Is this a scam and why?”
Bill's experience is not unique. Many people receive similar messages that may seem harmless at first glance, but may be involved in a more sinister plan. Dive into the world of text message scams and learn how to protect yourself.
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man sending text message on mobile phone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Anatomy of a text message scam
Also known as text message fraud. “Smishing” Combining SMS and phishing techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Scammers use a variety of tactics to engage with potential victims and gain their trust. Here are some common elements:
Unrecognized numbers: I received a message from a number I don't recognize. For example, you receive a text message from a number +1-555-123-4567 that is not in your contacts.
Unsolicited contacts: Texts come unexpectedly and often in a friendly or urgent tone. example: “Hi! It's been a while. How have you been?”
Personal touch: Scammers may use your name or mention general activity to appear legitimate. example: “Hello, Sarah, this is Mike from the book club. Are you coming to the meeting next week?”
Too good to be true: Offers of prizes, invitations, or other attractive offers are common. example: “Congratulations! You won a $500 gift card. Click here to claim your prize!”
Request information: Scammers may ask for personal information directly or indirectly. example: “This is your bank. We need to verify your account. Please reply with your account number and PIN.”
Please note that these are all examples of potential fraud. Always be wary of receiving unexpected messages, especially those that request personal information or contain suspicious links.
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Understand scammers' strategies
In Bill's case, the scammer employed a “long play” strategy. Scammers aim to build trust over time by engaging in friendly conversation and offering invitations. The final goals are:
Phishing for information: Gradually collects personal information that can be used for identity theft.
Malware distribution: Eventually, you will be sent a link that, if clicked, will install malicious software on your device.
Financial fraud: Build trust to eventually request money or financial information.
person sending text message on phone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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How to identify suspicious text
To protect yourself from text message scams, follow these steps:
- Please verify sender: Make sure to check your full email address or phone number, not just your display name.
- Analyze your content. Be wary of messages with urgent subjects, grammatical errors, or strange URLs.
- Verify separately. If the message claims to be from a known entity, please contact that entity through official channels to verify.
- Trust your intuition: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don't let politeness override your judgment.
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What to do if you suspect fraud
If you think you've received a scam text, follow these six steps.
1. Not responding: Avoid interacting with scammers to prevent further attempts.
2. Block the number. Use your phone's built-in blocking feature to prevent further contact.
- For iPhone: open messageTap sender's name or numberselect “information,” after that “block caller. ”
- For Android: open messagePress and hold. conversationTap three point menu and select “”Block” or “Block and Report Spam”You may be asked to confirm your decision by clicking . yes. SSettings may vary depending on your Android smartphone manufacturer.
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3. Report the message. Forward the suspicious text to 7726 (spam). Also, report it directly to the FTC. ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
4. Keep your information safe. Don't click on links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited texts.
5. Use strong antivirus software: Install and run a powerful antivirus app on your phone to scan for malware and keep your device safe. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection also warns you about phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2025 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
6. Invest in a personal data deletion service. Consider using a data deletion 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 deletion of data from hundreds of data broker sites.
No service promises to remove all data from the Internet, but if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing information from hundreds of sites over an extended period of time, a removal service is a good option. is the best. Check out the data deletion services I recommend here.
Cart important points
It's natural to want to be as polite as Bill, but remember that your safety and privacy come first. Trust your instincts, check contacts you don't recognize, and don't be afraid to ignore or block suspicious messages. Remember, true friends won't mind taking extra steps to verify their identity, and legitimate organizations will have official channels for communication.
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Have you or someone you know been a victim of a text message scam? And what steps have you taken to protect yourself? Email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact
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