Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to spot scam, spam or phishing text messages on your mobile device.
Spam Text Messages and Phishing
Scammers send fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information – things like your password, account number, or Social Security number. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers.
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The scammers use a variety of ever-changing stories to try to rope you in. They may
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offer you a low or no interest credit card
Scammers also send fake messages that say they have some information about your account or a transaction. The scammers may
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The messages might ask you to give some personal information — like how much money you make, how much you owe, or your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number — to claim your gift or pursue the offer. Or they may tell you to click on a link to learn more about the issue. Some links may take you to a spoofed website that looks real but isn’t. If you log in, the scammers can then steal your user name and password.
Other messages may install harmful malware on your phone that steals your personal information without you realizing it.
Scams can get the best of anyone. Help Me Hank explains how he fell for a fake follow-up email.
