Text-Messaging Scams 2023

Hey Techies!

We want to raise awareness about a concerning trend that is affecting more and more people: text-messaging scams. These scams have resulted in significant financial losses for individuals across the United States. Scammers are using various tactics to deceive and exploit unsuspecting victims.

Text-messaging scams have become increasingly effective by offering enticing rewards or creating a sense of urgency. They rely on the convenience and speed of texting to catch people off guard, making it harder to think critically about the messages they receive.

To protect yourself, it is crucial to be cautious and take necessary precautions. Never click on any links or respond to unexpected text messages. Instead, report all suspicious texts to ReportFraud.ftc.gov or forward the potential scam message to 7726 (SPAM). By reporting these scams, you assist cellphone-service providers in identifying and eliminating fraudulent activities.

In 2022, numerous complaints were filed by Americans regarding unsolicited text messages. Scammers commonly impersonated major banks, offered bogus gifts, faked package deliveries, presented phony job offers, and mimicked Amazon security alerts to deceive individuals.

Copycat bank fraud involves fraudsters posing as major banks and requesting recipients to approve or reject suspicious transactions. Bogus gift scams entice individuals to pay a small fee for a promised gift, which is simply a tactic to obtain credit card information. Phony delivery scams mimic messages from postal services, asking for shipping fees to capture credit card information. Phony job offers prompt job seekers to click on links that ultimately lead to requests for money. Amazon security alerts lure consumers into sharing personal information or making unauthorized purchases.

It's important to recognize these scams and be skeptical of unsolicited texts, especially those requesting payment or personal details. Legitimate institutions would never ask for sensitive information or payment through text messages.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and share this information with your friends and family. Together, we can combat text-messaging scams and protect one another from falling victim to fraudulent activities.

Stay safe and secure!

Read more about these text messaging scams here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/text-message-scam-impersonating-bank-ftc/

At a time when cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common, it's essential to remain vigilant and take necessary steps to protect your personal information. We recommend implementing safe cybersecurity practices such as using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and keeping software up-to-date, among others.

We also suggest staying up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity news and trends to be aware of potential threats and vulnerabilities. We encourage you to subscribe to and Share our newsletter to receive regular updates and insights on the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. Let’s continue to grow our community of cybersecurity techies!

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