How to spot a fake text message

Better Business Bureau serving Canton Region and Greater West Virginia offers tips and advice for consumers to avoid fraudulent practices.

Scammers have long used social media to impersonate people you know and trust, but recently they have been using a new tactic: text messages with a spoofed caller ID. This scam can be hard to spot at first glance, so watch out for the warning signs.

How the scam works

You get a text message that shows up in your phone as from “Mom” (or in other variations, “Dad.”) According to the message, “Mom” is at the store, but she left her credit card at home by accident. Could you send her $150 to finish her shopping?

The request seems harmless, but do not do it! Scammers have spoofed caller ID to appear as “Mom” or “Dad.” They are relying on the fact that many people have “Dad” or “Mom” saved in their contacts list. Scammers hope you will not think twice, or double-check the phone number, before sending help. If you do transfer money to a bank or digital wallet account, your money will be gone for good. (BBB.org/article/scams/13038-how-to-avoid-digital-wallet-scams-on-paypal-venmo-and-other-services)