{"id":377078,"date":"2021-12-06T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-06T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam\/"},"modified":"2021-12-06T14:00:00","modified_gmt":"2021-12-06T11:00:00","slug":"how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"#How to Spot a Text Message Scam"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a23a68d88929\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a23a68d88929\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam\/#What_Is_a_Text_Message_Scam\" >What Is a Text Message Scam?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam\/#Number_One_Is_the_Message_Relevant_to_You\" >Number One: Is the Message Relevant to You?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam\/#Number_Two_Dont_Tap_Links_in_Suspicious_Messages\" >Number Two: Don\u2019t Tap Links in Suspicious Messages<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam\/#Number_Three_Dont_Fall_for_a_Convincing_Website\" >Number Three: Don\u2019t Fall for a Convincing Website<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam\/#Number_Four_Pay_Attention_to_the_Grammar\" >Number Four: Pay Attention to the Grammar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam\/#Number_Five_Dont_Trust_a_Personalized_Message\" >Number Five: Don\u2019t Trust a Personalized Message<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam\/#Number_Six_Suspect_Its_Real_Contact_the_Company_Directly\" >Number Six: Suspect It\u2019s Real? Contact the Company Directly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam\/#Be_Careful_Out_There\" >Be Careful Out There<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><strong>&#8220;#How to Spot a Text Message Scam&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<!-- UNCACHED CONTENT --><\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"type:primaryImage size-full wp-image-772375\" data-pagespeed-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/A-woman-staring-at-a-smartphone.jpg?width=398&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1 400w, https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/A-woman-staring-at-a-smartphone.jpg?width=1198&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, 400w, 1200w\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/A-woman-staring-at-a-smartphone.jpg?width=1198&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"A woman staring at a smartphone\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"type:primaryImage imagecredit\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/upset-confused-african-woman-holding-cellphone-1361068583\">fizkes\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The average person these days is savvy enough to spot an email scam, which is why scammers have turned to text messages. Smishing (phishing via SMS) is on the rise, but here\u2019s how you can avoid falling prey to it.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Text_Message_Scam\"><\/span>What Is a Text Message Scam?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The tactics of a text message scam are virtually identical to those used in a standard <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/437513\/what-should-you-do-if-you-receive-a-phishing-email\/\">email phishing scam. \u201cPhishing\u201d is when someone acts like a representative of a legitimate business or institution to steal personal information, like your credit card details, bank account information, or social security number.<\/p>\n<p>It normally starts with an email that seems legitimate. Within the body of the email, there\u2019s a link to an \u201cofficial\u201d website that\u2019s designed to trick you into giving away your login credentials, personal details, or money. The website is usually indistinguishable from the actual company\u2019s, including the branding.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSmishing\u201d (a portmanteau of SMS and phishing) works almost identically. The scammer sends a text message with a link to potential victims. Normally, the message invites you to verify your account details, make a payment, or claim a prize.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Seems legit! What do you think \u2066<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/scotiabank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@scotiabank<\/a>\u2069 ?\ud83d\ude02 man I can\u2019t believe <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Smishing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Smishing<\/a> makes a profit. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/PKbugf5ZGh\">pic.twitter.com\/PKbugf5ZGh<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Alex K (@kojach) <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/kojach\/status\/1225927625329270784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 7, 2020<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Crafting a phishing email that doesn\u2019t im<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">media<\/a>tely raise suspicion requires some skill. The scammer has to be mindful of branding and tone and make sure the email is error-free. He also has to hope a spam filter doesn\u2019t catch the email.<\/p>\n<p>Because SMS is such a basic form of communication, fraudulent messages are a lot harder to spot. Text messages are short, which leaves little room for obvious spelling or grammar mistakes. Also, URL shorteners are common in text messages due to the 160-character limit.<\/p>\n<p>This opportunity hasn\u2019t gone unnoticed by scammers. Sending text messages en masse from a web interface is cheap and easy to do. While there is evidence of mobile carriers using spam filtering techniques similar to those of email providers, many smishing attempts slip through the net.<\/p>\n<p>There are plenty of other scams circulated via SMS, as well. Social engineering, in which a scammer messages you directly and attempts to gain your trust is also a problem. This type of scammer often uses phone calls and emails in addition to SMS messages to <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>ear more legitimate.<\/p>\n<p>Here are six things to keep in mind the next time you receive an unsolicited text message that invites you to click a link.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Number_One_Is_the_Message_Relevant_to_You\"><\/span>Number One: Is the Message Relevant to You?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Scammers will try anything to get you to click on their link. For example, they might say you\u2019ve won something. But did you enter any sort of competition? You might be notified that you have a parcel to pick up, but are you expecting anything?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-657162 size-full\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/airline.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"A text message scam with a link that says the receiver has won a &quot;mystery box.&quot;\" width=\"650\" height=\"443\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, it\u2019s a gift card for a store where you don\u2019t shop. Other times it\u2019s a final notice for a bill you\u2019ve never received before. I\u2019ve received messages about \u201cprizes\u201d from airlines I\u2019ve never flown with\u2014and how often do airlines give away prizes, anyway?<\/p>\n<p>Always remember the golden rule: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Number_Two_Dont_Tap_Links_in_Suspicious_Messages\"><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" name=\"autotoc_anchor_2\">Number Two: Don\u2019t Tap Links in Suspicious Messages<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most text message scams include a link, and, usually, the URL doesn\u2019t match the company name. However, even if it does, you have no way of knowing whether it\u2019s safe or not. Some of these scams are designed to spread malware, and, sometimes, all that requires a tap (or click) on a link.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-657163 size-full\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/random_link.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"A text message scam with a random link.\" width=\"650\" height=\"370\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>To be safe, avoid tapping links in unsolicited text messages. In August 2019, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/447107\/can-my-iphone-or-ipad-get-a-virus\/\">people who own iPhones were exposed to malware\u00a0simply by visiting a URL in Safari due to a <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.forcepoint.com\/cyber-edu\/zero-day-exploit\">zero-day exploit<\/a>. While this was the first (and, as of this writing, only) exploit of its kind, it\u2019s a reminder that you should never trust a random link.<\/p>\n<p>If you do happen to tap a link, you might be redirected (often multiple times) to a different website. If the address bar in your browser bounces you from one website to another in quick succession, that\u2019s a good sign you\u2019re being hit with a scam.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cloudsavvyit.com\/11288\/what-is-typosquatting-and-how-do-scammers-use-it\/\"><strong><em>What is Typosquatting and How Do Scammers Use it?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Number_Three_Dont_Fall_for_a_Convincing_Website\"><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" name=\"autotoc_anchor_3\">Number Three: Don\u2019t Fall for a Convincing Website<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Suppose you accidentally tap a link without giving it much thought, and you see a very official-looking website.\u00a0Some scammers are adept at producing websites that appear identical to the companies they\u2019re trying to imitate. Don\u2019t fall for it!<\/p>\n<p>A glance at the address bar should confirm any suspicions. Take a look at the example below from the Australia Post scam. The URL in the highlighted address bar doesn\u2019t match that of the official Australia Post website, which means it\u2019s a scam. However, some scammers <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cloudsavvyit.com\/11288\/what-is-typosquatting-and-how-do-scammers-use-it\/\">go to great lengths to make their URLs look convincing<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-657164 size-full\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/website_scam.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"An example of a fake website from the Australia Post scam.\" width=\"405\" height=\"500\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s surprisingly easy to create a carbon copy of a website simply by downloading the page and uploading it elsewhere. Sometimes, the whole website functions as it normally would, including the \u201cAbout Us\u201d links and other unrelated content.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>Watch Out: This Verizon Smishing Scam Is Crazy Realistic<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Number_Four_Pay_Attention_to_the_Grammar\"><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" name=\"autotoc_anchor_4\">Number Four: Pay Attention to the Grammar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A large percentage of smishing attempts originate in countries where English is not the official (or first) language. As a result, many scammers make spelling or grammar mistakes that should be relatively easy for a native speaker to spot.<\/p>\n<p>This might be as simple as a misplaced word, improper capitalization, or a sentence that just seems \u201coff.\u201d Check out the double-space error in the message below. You also see incorrect capitalization, missing punctuation, and a URL that was incorrectly pasted mid-sentence.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-657165 size-full\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/gift_card.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"A text message scam for a &quot;Gift Card&quot; winner with many grammar mistakes.\" width=\"650\" height=\"232\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Of course, not all scammers are from non-English-speaking countries. Many have a solid grasp of the language and understand how to make the bait look genuine.<\/p>\n<p>Anecdotally, though, the vast majority of smishing attempts I\u2019ve received have contained obvious grammar or spelling mistakes.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Number_Five_Dont_Trust_a_Personalized_Message\"><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" name=\"autotoc_anchor_5\">Number Five: Don\u2019t Trust a Personalized Message<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In many of the examples in this article, the scammers managed to get my name right. This sort of personalization could lead some to believe the message is genuine. You might receive a similar message trying to impersonate your bank, ISP, or cell provider.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-657166 size-full\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/winner.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"A text message scam using the author's first name. \" width=\"650\" height=\"270\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, chances are high that some of your personal information has been leaked online. Data breaches are common, and they allow scammers to piece together information that makes them appear more legitimate.<\/p>\n<p>For example, they might know your address, which smartphone you use, or your social media handles.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Number_Six_Suspect_Its_Real_Contact_the_Company_Directly\"><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" name=\"autotoc_anchor_6\">Number Six: Suspect It\u2019s Real? Contact the Company Directly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One of the most common smishing attempts of late is the postage scam. The message appears to be from a postal service informing you that you have to pay additional shipping costs on a package or verify your address. The landing page says the package will be returned to the sender if you don\u2019t pay to create a sense of urgency.<\/p>\n<p>My partner received the smishing attempt below last week. Despite the official-looking tracking number and a carbon copy of the Australia Post website, mail handlers don\u2019t attempt to collect overdue shipping costs via text message. They also won\u2019t send your package back within a few days of receiving it. Due to these inconsistencies, the scam was exposed.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-657167 size-full\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/parcel.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"An &quot;Overdue Postage&quot; text message scam.\" width=\"650\" height=\"210\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A quick search led me to a page on\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/redirect.viglink.com\/?key=204a528a336ede4177fff0d84a044482&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fauspost.com.au%2Fabout-us%2Fabout-our-site%2Fonline-security-scams-fraud%2Fscam-alerts\">the AusPost website\u00a0<\/a>describing the scam. We also previously explored the FedEx package delivery scam. If you receive a similar SMS, search the web for \u201cUSPS (or the relevant delivery service) text message scam.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Social engineering attacks can be a lot harder to spot\u2014particularly if you already think the person you\u2019re talking to is who they say they are. One easy way to spot such a scam is if the other party is asking for payment or donations in gift cards, as they did recently in <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wave3.com\/2020\/02\/06\/scammers-impersonating-louisville-priests-ask-elderly-buy-gift-cards-cancer-patients\/\">Louisville, Ky.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s well-established that companies will never email, text, or call you and ask for payment. If you suspect an overdue bill or postage fee isn\u2019t legitimate, contact the company directly before you give out any information. If someone is soliciting donations, make sure you donate to the organization directly, via its official website, at a point of sale, or a collection box rather than via text.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>PSA: Watch Out for This New Text Message Package Delivery Scam<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_Careful_Out_There\"><\/span>Be Careful Out There<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Be skeptical of any text messages you receive that aren\u2019t from friends or acquaintances. If you keep these basics in mind, you won\u2019t be tricked into giving up cash or your personal information.<\/p>\n<p>To take your protection a bit further, you can also <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/366653\/how-to-make-android-as-secure-as-possible\/\">secure your Android device\u00a0or follow a few basic iPhone security tips.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>What Is Smishing, and How Do You Protect Yourself?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><script>\n setTimeout(function(){\n  !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)\n  {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?\n  n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};\n  if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';\n  n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;\n  t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];\n  s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s) } (window, document,'script',\n  'https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');\n   fbq('init', '335401813750447');\n   fbq('track', 'PageView');\n  },3000);\n<\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMLG0nwswvr63Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technology category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/563906\/how-to-spot-a-text-message-scam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;#How to Spot a Text Message Scam&#8221; fizkes\/Shutterstock.com The average person these days is savvy enough to spot an email scam, which is why scammers have turned to text messages. Smishing (phishing via SMS) is on the rise, but here\u2019s how you can avoid falling prey to it. What Is a Text Message Scam? 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