What are phishing texts?
Phishing texts are a type of spam that try to trick you into giving away personal information like your bank account number, credit card number, or social security number. They usually look like they’re from a company or website you trust, and they may even use the company’s logo. But if you click on the link in the text, you’ll be taken to a fake website that looks real but is actually just a way for the scammer to steal your information. Most phishing texts will try to scare you into giving away your information. They might say there’s been suspicious activity on your account, or that you need to update your information to avoid having your account suspended. Whatever the case, don’t click on any links in the text, and don’t reply with any personal information. If you think the text might be real, contact the company it claims to be from using a phone number or email address you know is real.
How to identify phishing texts?
In order to identify phishing texts, there are a few key things to look for. First, phishing texts will often contain typos or grammatical errors. Second, the sender may not be familiar to you, or the sender may be spoofed to look like a familiar contact. Finally, phishing texts will often contain links or attachments that you did not expect to receive. If you see any of these red flags in a text message, do not click on any links or attachments and delete the message immediately.
How to block phishing texts?
There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself from phishing texts. First, be suspicious of any text message that asks you to click on a link or provide personal information. If you weren’t expecting the message, it’s likely a scam. Second, don’t reply to messages that ask for your personal information, even if they claim to be from a trusted source. Third, forward suspicious texts to your carrier’s spam reporting number so they can investigate and take action if necessary. Finally, consider installing an anti-spam app on your phone that will help filter out unwanted and potentially dangerous messages.
What to do if you’ve been a victim of phishing?
If you believe you have been a victim of phishing, report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. You can also report phishing attempts that did not result in any financial loss at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. If you provided your personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account information, to a scammer as a result of a phishing attack, take steps to protect yourself from identity theft. Visit IdentityTheft.gov to learn more about what to do if you’ve been a victim of identity theft.
Conclusion
Phishing texts can be a huge nuisance, but there are ways to protect yourself from them. By following the tips in this article, you can help ensure that you don’t fall victim to a phishing scam. Be sure to forward any suspicious texts to your carrier so they can investigate, and always be cautious about clicking on links or giving out personal information. With a little vigilance, you can help keep yourself safe from these pesky scams.
