Have you recently been getting unsolicited text messages? These messages may have to do with your economic impact payment (stimulus check), the IRS, small business loans or even sexual advances. Well, with everything going on in the world right now, text message scams are on the rise. In this article we will give you a few tips on how to stay safe from text messaging scams.
How To Spot A Text Message Scam
If you notice, almost all of these unsolicited text messages will have some sort of clickable link. There are many reasons why you should never click on a link from an unsolicited message. You may be taken to a website which will expose you to scams. Clicking the link may download a virus or malware to you phone. You may even have your phone number added to a list which is sold on the dark web to identity thieves.
Text message scams are usually easily detectable because no government agency or respectable organization will ever text you with sensitive information. Also, many of the text scams you’ll see will have typos, incorrect spelling and/or grammar. These errors can be a tip-off as to the legitimacy of the text. Please note however, not all scams will have errors and many can be very convincing.
How To Protect Yourself From Text Scams
- NEVER click a link or visit a website listed in an unsolicited text message.
- Delete any suspicious or unsolicited texts right away.
- Never provide any personal information via a text message.
Please report any suspicious text messages to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint. If you wish to find out the status of your stimulus check, visit irs.gov/coronavirus.
You can never be too safe when it comes to the safety of your information. Text message scams are on the rise and you have to keep your guard up.
