Text mail scams

The scourge of the digital age! Text mail scams, also known as SMS phishing or smishing, are a type of phishing attack that uses text messages to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or installing malware on their devices. Here are some common types of text mail scams:

  1. Phony delivery updates: Scammers send fake messages claiming that a package is being held at a local delivery center, and ask you to click on a link to "track" the package or "release" the delivery.
  2. Banking and financial scams: Scammers send fake messages claiming that your bank account has been compromised, and ask you to click on a link to "verify" your account information or "update" your password.
  3. Tech support scams: Scammers send fake messages claiming that your device is infected with malware, and ask you to click on a link to "fix" the issue or "update" your software.
  4. Lottery and prize scams: Scammers send fake messages claiming that you've won a prize or lottery, and ask you to click on a link to "claim" your prize or "verify" your information.
  5. Fake invoices and bills: Scammers send fake messages claiming that you owe money for a service or product, and ask you to click on a link to "pay" the bill or "update" your payment information.
  6. Romance scams: Scammers send fake messages claiming to be a romantic interest, and ask you to click on a link to "meet" or "chat" with them.
  7. Fake government messages: Scammers send fake messages claiming to be from a government agency, and ask you to click on a link to "update" your information or "verify" your identity.

To avoid falling victim to these scams:

  1. Be cautious of unsolicited messages: If you didn't initiate the conversation, be wary of messages that ask for personal information or try to create a sense of urgency.
  2. Verify the sender's identity: Check the sender's phone number and message content to ensure it's legitimate.
  3. Don't click on suspicious links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown senders, as they may lead to malware or phishing sites.
  4. Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts to add an extra layer of security.
  5. Keep your device and software up to date: Regularly update your device's operating system and software to ensure you have the latest security patches.
  6. Report suspicious messages: If you receive a suspicious message, report it to your carrier or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to text messages. If a message seems too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is!