- Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
As consumers we are constantly glued to our phones, whether we are surfing the internet, scrolling through social media, or chatting via text message, we are always connected. Smartphones and texting give us the freedom to respond at any time, while a telephone or video call does not offer the same flexibility. In fact, a recent Nielsen survey reported that text messaging is the most used data service in the world! This means that everyone is texting, including scammers and fraudsters.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) just warned consumers about a new text message scam involving fund transfers. Local law enforcement agencies throughout the country have alerted residents about imposter text fraud attempting to steal sensitive personal information. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received an increase in reports of lottery or gift text message scams. Text fraud comes in all shapes and sizes.
In support of our mission, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) put together a list of red flags and tips related to text message scams and how to keep you and your mobile phone safe.
Red flags to identify a fraudulent text message:
- Unsolicited text message from an unknown source asking general questions or appearing to be sent to the wrong person. These messages are often from fraudsters searching for active phone numbers. Don’t respond, it’s a scam.
- Spontaneous text messages including an immediate or threatening call to action. This type of statement is used by scammers to create a sense of urgency. Delete the message, it’s a scam.
- Communication via text from a business or other entity you engage with that you have not given permission to contact you in that manner. Unless you have agreed to receive offers or updates via SMS, businesses should not communicate with their customers through text. Use a verified phone to contact the sender’s company about the message you received. Unverified? It’s a scam.
- Offers over text message related to lottery prizes, money transfers, package deliveries, or other items that are too good to be true. These offers excite the recipient and encourage quick response which may lead to the theft of your personal information. Ignore the deal, it’s a scam.
Text messaging gives scammers yet another means to perpetrate fraud. It can be tempting to respond to these seemingly innocent messages, but always remember to take your time and never click on a link from an unknown sender. In addition to spotting a scam and carefully evaluating messages, there are other steps you can take to minimize or prevent scam texts.
- Utilize spam/scam blocking software that is available through most service providers.
- Check CTIA.org for tools or resources offered by your wireless company that can block unwanted messages and calls.
- Block the numbers of previously received scam messages or calls to reduce repeat attempts to contact you.
- Check the app store for various apps that have spam blocking tools.
If you have fallen victim to a text scam or believe you received a fraudulent text, please report the message and sender. You may submit text scam reports to the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, or the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
