Texting provides a cheap and convenient way for scammers to reach consumers, and the FTC\u2019s Consumer Sentinel Network reported $330 million in losses to text scams in 2022, with a median reported loss of $1,000. This is more than double the reported losses in 2021 and five times the amount reported in 2019. Reports of text scams increased sharply in the first half of the pandemic and have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.<\/p>\n
Scammers use the quickness of text to get an upper hand. They attempt to persuade you with promises of something beneficial, a freebie, a package, or even a job. Additionally, they may try to make you feel alarmed, pretending someone has accessed your accounts. Nevertheless, all of these are simply lies intended to swindle you out of money and private data.<\/p>\n
In 2022, approximately 40% of text scams were found to be one of the five most common varieties. \u00a0All of these scams attempt to deceive by pretending to be from a legitimate company.<\/p>\n
The FTC has reported an increase of nearly 20 times in texts impersonating banks since 2019. \u00a0For example, scammers may send a false number demanding a reply regarding a supposed suspicious activity or a large transaction the victim did not make. When the person responds, they will receive a call from a false fraud department. Unfortunately, many of these victims have reported transferring money out<\/em> of their account, with a median reported loss of $3,000. Additionally, some have even revealed their Social Security number and other personal information, possibly leading to identity theft. It is important to note if you receive any type of these texts, do not click on or reply back. Instead, call the number of your bank on the back of your debit card to ask if there is an issue.<\/p>\n It might appear like a legitimate offer from a familiar company \u2013 such as your cell phone company or a major retailer \u2013 when a text appears offering a free gift, reward, or prize. However, be warned that it is all fraudulent. By clicking the link and paying a nominal \u201cshipping fee,\u201d you are in fact giving away your credit card information to a scammer, and reports have shown that this often leads to fraudulent charges.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re expecting a package to arrive, be wary of text scams that appear to be from delivery services like the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, and UPS. They will inform you of a problem with the delivery and provide a link to a fake website. Do not pay the \u201credelivery fee\u201d that these scammers request, as it is a trick to get your credit card number. People have also reported providing these scammers with their personal information, including Social Security numbers.<\/p>\n Reports of individuals being offered easy money for mystery shopping at big stores such as Whole Foods and Walmart have been around for a while. Fraudulent offers of money to have one\u2019s car plastered with advertisements have also been reported. In addition, job scammers have been known to target jobseekers who have posted their resumes on sites like Indeed. Generally, fake checks that appear to be cleared are used to deceive people into sending money.<\/p>\n Fake texts claiming to be from Amazon often contain fraud prevention messages that ask for verification of a purchase that was not made. If someone calls the given number, they will reach a counterfeit Amazon representative who offers to \u201ccorrect\u201d the account issue. Unfortunately, some people have reported that the individual then requests the return of the refunded money, which is often done through buying gift cards and providing the PIN.<\/p>\n Reporting can be a useful tool in preventing scams that may come in the form of text messages.<\/p>\n2) Unnecessary \u201ctokens of appreciation\u201d that can prove to be costly<\/strong><\/h4>\n
3) Issues with counterfeit package delivery<\/strong><\/h4>\n
4) Bogus Employment Opportunities<\/strong><\/h4>\n
5) Security Warnings that aren\u2019t really from Amazon<\/strong><\/h4>\n
What steps can you take to prevent becoming a victim of text scams?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Reporting Scams<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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