Criminals Are Stealing More Money Through Text Scams Than Ever Before

4. Fake claims that you have unpaid tolls. Notices that you failed to pay road tolls may be sent by text along with a link to click on to pay the toll amount you “owe.”

5. Messages that appear to have been sent to the wrong number. Scammers will text with a simple “hi” or a message arranging an appointment or meeting with someone. If you write back, they’ll start a conversation. They are likely trying to lure you into a romance or a cryptocurrency investment scam (these schemes are often combined).

6. Warnings that an account has expired. They might appear to come from a mobile provider, or a service like Amazon, Netflix or PayPal, claiming your account has expired or been locked and you need to provide personal information or click on a link to reactivate it. That gives the scammers means to steal your money, identity or to infect your device with malware.

Warning signs of a smashing scam

Here are a few red flags that the text you received is a scam:

• The message directs you to click a link to resolve a problem, win a prize or access a service.
• The exchange leads to requests for personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account information or an online account password.
• The sender claims to be from a government agency. Government bodies almost never initiate contact with someone by phone or text, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

How to protect yourself from this scam

Filter unknown messages. Consider using tools that filter or block unwanted messages or unknown senders. Your mobile device may have spam protection. Check the settings on its messaging app. Major wireless carriers offer free call-blocking apps. You can also find companies that, for a monthly fee, provide scam-blocking services. 

4. Fake claims that you have unpaid tolls. Notices that you failed to pay road tolls may be sent by text along with a link to click on to pay the toll amount you “owe.”

5. Messages that appear to have been sent to the wrong number. Scammers will text with a simple “hi” or a message arranging an appointment or meeting with someone. If you write back, they’ll start a conversation. They are likely trying to lure you into a romance or a cryptocurrency investment scam (these schemes are often combined).

6. Warnings that an account has expired. They might appear to come from a mobile provider, or a service like Amazon, Netflix or PayPal, claiming your account has expired or been locked and you need to provide personal information or click on a link to reactivate it. That gives the scammers means to steal your money, identity or to infect your device with malware.

Warning signs of a smashing scam

Here are a few red flags that the text you received is a scam:

• The message directs you to click a link to resolve a problem, win a prize or access a service.
• The exchange leads to requests for personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account information or an online account password.
• The sender claims to be from a government agency. Government bodies almost never initiate contact with someone by phone or text, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

How to protect yourself from this scam

Filter unknown messages. Consider using tools that filter or block unwanted messages or unknown senders. Your mobile device may have spam protection. Check the settings on its messaging app. Major wireless carriers offer free call-blocking apps. You can also find companies that, for a monthly fee, provide scam-blocking services. 

Avoid replying. Don’t respond, even if the message says you can “text STOP” to avoid more messages. That tells the scammer or spammer your number is active and can be sold to other bad actors.

Never click on links in suspicious texts. They could install malware on your device or take you to a site that does the same.

Be aware that phone numbers can be spoofed. Scammers use caller ID spoofing to make it appear the text is from a trusted or local source.

How to report scams

Forward spam and scam texts to 7726 your carrier. The FTC has instructions on how to do this here.

Report suspected smishing to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Not every complaint leads to enforcement action, but the information can help officials to spot trends and sometimes identify the criminals. If money as been stolen from you, report the crime to your local law enforcement and to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.

For support and guidance, contact the trained fraud specialists at the free AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline, 877 -908-3360. The AARP Fraud Watch Network also offers online group support sessions for victims and their family members.