Have you ever gotten a bizarre or unexpected text from a number you do not recognize? Be wary, as it could be a scammer seeking your personal and financial information. Here we discuss the current common scams, how to protect yourself, and how to report the annoying (and bogus) messages.
How many times recently have you heard a message on your phone ding only to see it was not from someone you know, but from an unknown messenger o$ering you a prize, a credit card, a refund from Amazon or help to pay o$ debt? Or, a message which almost feels threatening, declaring there is a problem with your payment, or suspicious activity in your account, or your invoice is ready to be paid? !e common factor in such messages is that they all ask for some sort of personal information or require that you follow a link to continue.
Before you act on those strange emails, know that scammers are expecting you to jump into action. If you respond with personal information, like your salary, how much you owe, your bank account or credit card number, or your Social Security number, it can be used to access your actual accounts. !ose links may take you to a spoofed website and when you try to log in, the scammers steal your username and password for the real site or install harmful malware on your phone to steal information.
How do you deal with these? First, it is important to realize what is a scam. Legitimate businesses will NOT ask for personal information through a text. Secondly, if you question the validity of the email, call the business directly and ask, or visit the website directly (not through the text link) and log into your account. Look around and see if there is a message in your account or a problem with an order. While you are logged into your account, update your password!
How do you get rid of these annoying and potentially risky texts? !ere are several methods for combating these unwanted texts. Your mobile phone likely has an option to filter or block messages from unknown senders. Here, you can follow the directions to to filter and block messages on an iPhone and how to block a phone number on an Android phone. Also, you can search for call-blocking applications to download to your phone.
Can you report these texts? Absolutely! You can copy and forward the message to 7726 (SPAM). !is text will go directly to your wireless provider, helping them to detect and block similar messages going forward. Also, check your messaging app for ways to report junk or spam. After you have reported the message, DELETE IT!
If you have a spam, scam or other consumer complaint within the state of Florida, you can file a complaint online with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. All scams can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
