Distinguishing real texts from scams is a growing challenge in today's notification-heavy world. Consider the recent experience of Bill from Arizona. He received confusing texts from an unknown number, leading to a strange exchange about a backyard BBQ in LA. This seemingly harmless interaction raises a red flag: could this be a scam?

A man texting on his phone  (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

Anatomy of a Text Scam

Text scams, or "smishing" (SMS phishing), are getting increasingly sophisticated. Scammers use various tricks to lure victims. Common tactics include texts from unknown numbers, unexpected messages with a friendly or urgent tone, the use of your name or references to shared activities, too-good-to-be-true offers, and requests for personal information. For example, a scammer might pose as a friend or your bank to gain your trust.

A person texting on a phone  (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

The Scammer's Game Plan

In Bill's case, the scammer employed a gradual approach. The friendly conversation and BBQ invitation aimed to build rapport. This could be a precursor to phishing for sensitive data, distributing malware through malicious links, or ultimately, setting up a financial scam.

A person texting on a phone  (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

Spotting Suspicious Texts

• Scrutinize the sender's information, not just the name displayed.
• Examine the message for urgent tones, grammatical mistakes, or odd links.
• Confirm the message's legitimacy by contacting the supposed sender directly.
• Above all, trust your gut. If something seems amiss, it probably is.

A man texting on his phone  (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

Responding to Suspected Scams

1. Refrain from replying to avoid further engagement.
2. Block the number on your phone (iPhone: Message > Sender > Info > Block Caller; Android: Message > Long-press conversation > Three-dot menu > Block/Block & Report Spam).
3. Report the text to 7726 (SPAM) and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
4. Never click links or share personal data from unsolicited texts.
5. Use reliable antivirus software on all devices for proactive protection.
6. Consider data removal services to minimize your online footprint and reduce the risk of identity theft.

Prioritizing your security and personal information is crucial. Be cautious, verify unfamiliar contacts, and don't hesitate to block suspicious messages. True friends and legitimate organizations understand the need for verification.