More and more criminals are using text messages to exploit you and to get you to give them information.
Here are the most two common types of text scams and how you can protect yourself from falling into the trap.
SMiShing
These text messages lead you to a fake website that imitates a real company. That site will ask for personal information – username, password or credit card information.
• Don’t open text messages from someone you don’t know and trust.
• Don’t send personal information by replying to a text from an unknown sender.
• Always go directly to a company’s website, not the link included in the text message. Scammers can build fake websites using forged company logos, signatures and styles.
Spam text messages
Spam texts are unsolicited and unwanted ads. These messages usually count against your text plan.
• Avoid responding directly to these. Doing so alerts the spammer that your phone number is genuine.
• If the text contains a telephone number, do not call the number. It is just another part of the scam.
