Introduction
With the increasing use of mobile devices, many individuals are concerned about identifying fake text messages. After all, we all want to be secure. However, the rise of various scams in the digital age has made this task more challenging. This article focuses on how to identify a fake text message scam, examining the definition of false texts, spam detection, and appropriate responses.
What are fake text messages?
Of course, you need to understand what fake text messages mean before knowing how to identify a fake text message and take appropriate action.
A fake text message is any message a hacker sends to persuade you to do something. Hackers typically use these communications to obtain your money or personal information. As hackers have mastered infamous creativity, these text message scams have become increasingly successful in recent times. The primary factor that makes these hackers so dangerous is their remote conduct. Even if a fake message sender sends spam from another country, your government may lack the legal authority to take action against them.
Why text messages are a goldmine for scammers.
These days, marketing firms are huge fans of text messaging. Why? The main reason is that nearly everyone reads a text message (98%) compared to just 20% for marketing emails, and around 45% of recipients will reply, versus only 6% for emails. Overall, the figures are quite stable, though they vary depending on the research under examination.
Unfortunately, this is excellent news for hackers as well. While most people have become skilled at identifying email phishing schemes and understand the importance of avoiding links in emails, they haven’t yet developed the same mental resilience for texts. Unlike the typical eye-roll response to a new email, the initial reaction to an incoming SMS is often one of interest. Since reputable companies are always experimenting with new phone interactions, this opens up a world of opportunities for criminals.
How to identify a fake text message
Because hackers often reach out to you unexpectedly, the SMS message is usually unwanted. The phone number of the fake message sender is often lengthy (10 or 11 digits). Sometimes, the phone number is “spoofed,” meaning it appears to be from someone you know or trust. The text may also contain a jumbled or shortened link.
Even though hackers use various fake text message formats, there are common indicators you should watch for. Pay close attention to the message’s content and monitor the sender’s name and contact details to identify a scam SMS. Scammers frequently fabricate prizes you’ve won, money you owe, or even urgent matters you aren’t aware of.
Here’s how to identify a fake text message, whether it comes from an SMS, a specialized fake text message app, or another social media platform:
1. Irrelevant Message
Scammers send automated, generic messages to hundreds of phone lines, hoping someone will fall for them. Signs that communication is a scam include offers to purchase something you aren’t selling or warnings about an unexpected transport arrival. Avoid irrelevant texts—they’re likely scams.
The fake message generator tries to appear more authentic by referencing a specific item in the fake text message. However, the accompanying screenshot is usually generic, and the item mentioned is often not for sale. Furthermore, the sender’s request for personal information should immediately raise concerns. Remember, hackers typically aim to obtain your money or sensitive information.
Resource: AVG
2. A message includes lengthy phone numbers.
Most valid US phone numbers are either shortcodes or 10 digits long. Therefore, if a message comes from a longer number, it may be a scam or a fake number. While long phone numbers, such as those from foreign numbers, aren’t always suspicious, they could indicate a phony text message scam if you’re not expecting a message from an overseas number.
For example, the phone number in this fake text message sample is thirteen digits long, which likely suggests it is a scam.
Resource: AVG
3. The message includes grammatical issues.
You can identify a fake text message when there are grammatical or spelling mistakes. While legitimate companies might occasionally make errors, fake messages often contain typos, incorrect punctuation, or oddly phrased sentences. If you notice anything like this and the message is from an unknown sender, it’s a strong indication that the message is fake.
The example below demonstrates the typical appearance of a fake message
Resource: AVG
4. A message offers a gift after a link click.
A strange link in a message is a clear indication that it is a fake text message. The link may appear authentic at first, especially if it claims to be from a well-known company or brand you trust. To verify the URL, use your browser and compare it with the one in the message. If the linked URL differs, it’s likely a scam.
Clicking on bogus links in fake messages can download malware capable of taking over your phone or spying on your activities. It may also direct you to a fraudulent website designed to collect your personal information. Avoid suspicious links, particularly if they come from an unfamiliar number.
Check out the fake text message below, which tries to trick you into clicking on a dubious link for a fake gift card. If you click on the link, your “prize” could potentially be a virus.
Resource: AGV
5. Urgent Action Requested Messages
Another typical indicator of how to identify a fake text message is a message that requests immediate action. Scammers often play on your emotions to get you to respond and provide the information they want. However, it’s important to avoid falling for phony text notifications from fraudsters. Always independently confirm the issue, whether via email, phone, online, or in person.
Here are a few examples of phony messages asking for immediate action:
- A family member or close friend urgently needs your assistance.
- The IRS is looking for a missing payment.
- A reputable company requests that you update your account with missing information.
- We must promptly receive an order confirmation.
The fake message maker is using the seemingly genuine text message below as a pretext to threaten you with charges if you don’t immediately open the link.
Resource: AGV
6. Message from Banking Source
Scammers don’t hesitate to fake the IRS, a bank, or any other financial organization. Verify the material by contacting or going to the appropriate institution, even if the communication appears authentic. Keep in mind the first guideline for spotting a fake text message: if the message isn’t from a bank where you have an account, it’s most likely a scam.
The IRS will not text you about your tax refund, even if it appears to be authentic.
Resource: AGV
Steps to Take After a Text Scam
- With over 47 billion spam texts recorded in 2021, you’re not the only person who has fallen victim to an SMS scam.
- The worst-case situation isn’t very common, which is excellent news. All you have to do is admit your error and take immediate action.
- Report the scam and cancel any credit cards used in the transactions.
- Notify your cell phone provider of the event and the bogus number.
- On your phone, block the number.
- Change the passwords for sensitive or important apps, including social networking, online banking, and any other place that stores personal data.
If you fall victim to an SMS scam, you might experience the following outcomes:
- Malware: Responding to a text message could potentially allow malware to infiltrate your device and gather personal information.
- Unwanted costs: Your engagement with the criminals may result in unwanted charges on your current cell phone account, as message and data fees may apply to any text communication you make.
- Slow mobile speeds: Garbage or spam from hackers may slow down your phone’s transmitting and browsing speeds.
Stopping Smishing Attacks: Preventing Text Scams
You should refrain from responding at all costs, of course, but you should also:
Slow down: It’s a mistake to respond to these signals too urgently. Criminals want you to feel busy and puzzled. Take your time and avoid attempting to respond right away.
Don’t Click: If you believe a communication contains spam, you should never, ever click on any links in it.
Remove the message: Avoid taking the chance of mistakenly saving the material on your mobile device or responding to it. Feel free to snap a screenshot for future reference if you are reporting the message and then remove the content.
Report the spam: You may use the FTC’s complaint help to report any suspected spam text messages, or you can report them directly to your carrier.
Fortunately, compared to other digital strategies, text message frauds are far less frequent.
Frequently Asked Questions: Text Message Scams
We’ve discussed the fundamentals of recognizing and avoiding text scams, but now we’ll delve into some of the most frequent (and important) inquiries we receive about smishing.
Can you fall victim to a scam by opening a text message?
Technically, no, which is why the majority of these scam SMS encourage you to do anything, such as contacting a number, clicking a link, or responding. It won’t hurt much to simply open the text, as long as you don’t finish that step.
Can responding to a text lead to a hack?
Yes, in some situations. Responding to a smishing message may result in undesired charges or allow malware to infect your phone.
How can you find out who sent you a text message?
Since they appear as a contact, it goes without saying that you can tell whether a text message is from a family member or a trustworthy friend. If you’re receiving spam from an unknown number, you can Google that number and find it posted on websites that record text scam numbers.
How can we identify a fake text message based on the sender’s number?
If the sender’s number deviates from a common format, such as (xxx-xxx-xxxx) for the USA, you can figure out it’s a phony text message. Additionally, if the area code of the number originates from a location unrelated to you or your company, it is likely a fraudulent text message.