Recognizing and Diffusing Text Scams

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Counselor at Southern Bancorp

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been receiving – and promptly deleting – a flood of text messages about package deliveries, toll payments, work-from-home opportunities, and more. I’m frustrated and tired of these annoying messages.

Text messaging plays a vital role in how we communicate. Unfortunately, criminals know this too and exploit the system to target unsuspecting victims. So, this week, I decided to do a little research on how to recognize and diffuse these scam messages. The steps below are just a starting point, but they can help reduce some – if not most – of these irritating texts.

How to Identify a Fake Text Scam

1. Familiar or Non-Personal References
   Fake texts often appear to come from familiar, legitimate organizations. Messages that begin with generic greetings like “Dear Client” or “Hello” instead of using your name are red flags. Scammers rely on your recognition of credible companies or nonprofits with national status. Be vigilant when responding to these requests.
2. Suspicious Links and Emotional Language
   Watch for links with strange or unfamiliar characters. Legitimate companies use branded, recognizable web addresses. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency or fear – threatening fines or account closures – to pressure you into acting quickly. Offers that seem too good to be true usually are. Promises of prizes, gift cards, or other rewards are common bait. Always stop and think before you act, and verify the source of the message.
3. Spelling and Grammar Errors or Requests for Personal Information
   Many scam texts are poorly written, though advances in AI are making this less obvious. Requests for personal information are another telltale sign. No legitimate organization will ask for sensitive details – like account numbers or passwords – via unsolicited texts.

What to Do If You Receive a Fake Text

1. Do Not Reply or Engage
   Your immediate response is crucial. Replying confirms your number is active and may lead to more spam. Never click on links or attachments – they may install malware. Scammers also use call-back prompts to engage victims. Always contact the company or agency using a verified phone number from their official website or billing statement.
2. Block or Delete the Number and Text
   Use your phone’s messaging app to block the sender, though scammers may use spoofed numbers. Spoofing is a tactic where bad actors disguise their identity to gain trust, access information, or manipulate others. Delete the message to avoid accidentally clicking a link later.
3. Report the Text as Spam
   Forward the message to 7726 (which spells “SPAM”) to help your wireless provider identify and block similar messages. Most major carriers participate in this reporting system. You can also check your messaging app for built-in options to report spam or junk.

Proactive Ways to Prevent Scams

1. Enable Spam Filters on Your Device
   Open your device settings and follow instructions to activate spam filters.
2. Use Your Carrier’s Security Features
   Major carriers offer tools to help block spam. Contact your phone or internet provider to learn more.
3. Install a Third-Party App
   Consider using spam-blocking apps that offer advanced filtering options.
4. Secure Your Online Presence
   Limit exposure of your phone number by making social media accounts private and opting out of people-search websites.

To combat fake text scams, it’s essential to recognize red flags, avoid interacting with suspicious messages, and take proactive steps to block and report them. Scams are a common problem, and solutions aren’t always easy to implement. But getting informed is a great first step toward protecting yourself.

For more information on this or other financial topics, feel free to email me at charlestienharris77@gmail.com or write to me at P.O. Box 1825, Clarksdale, MS.

Until next week – stay financially fit!