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PHONES -- They’re never far from our hands and they play such a central part in our lives that we often let our guard down when using them. So when we get a text message from an unfamiliar number, it doesn't automatically scream “danger”. But that’s what the scammers are banking on.
WE AT STELLAR FORGE MINING WILL NEVER TEXT YOU FOR ACCOUNT INFORMATION OR UPDATES - IF YOU EVER SUSPECT AN ISSUE, PLEASE SEND A MESSAGE TO REPORT@STELLARFORGEMINING.COM
The reality is that while our phones help streamline our lives, they also give scammers easier access to us than ever before, exploiting the trust we have in our devices and the personal connection we have with them. Text message scams are on the rise, with Truecaller reporting that they have more than doubled over the last three years. While scam texts are unfortunately a part of modern life, the best way to protect yourself is to know the signs of a scam text, what to do if you receive one and the steps to take if you become a victim. Read on to learn:
How scam text messages work
Why there are so many these days
Signs of a scam text message
What to do if you receive a scam text
Why you shouldn't respond
What to do if you’ve been scammed
WE AT STELLAR FORGE MINING WILL NEVER TEXT YOU FOR ACCOUNT INFORMATION OR UPDATES - IF YOU EVER SUSPECT AN ISSUE, PLEASE SEND A MESSAGE TO REPORT@STELLARFORGEMINING.COM
How text message scams work
Text message scams, also known as “smishing” attempt to trick you into sharing your financial or personal information. Scam texts often look likely they’re from an organization you know and trust (like a bank, delivery company, government agency or health company), giving you a false sense of security. They’ll typically contain a link which will lead you to a page to send money, share details or inadvertently install malware on your phone. Scam texts can have an urgent or threatening tone to encourage you to act quickly and without thinking.
Why are there so many text message scams out there?
It makes sense that text messages are such a popular tool for scammers as they’re such an easy way for them to reach us. They’re easy to create, they don’t need to be particularly sophisticated and they exploit the trust we have in our phones. They can also be sent to a large number of people at the same time, increasing the chances that a handful might be duped. We’re also more likely to be exposed to texts than we might be to a scam call (you might think twice before answering a call from an unknown number but chances are you’ll open a text without thinking).
How do people get scammed through text?
A text message often comes through when you’re busy doing something else like facing the morning commute, watching a movie with the family or feeding the dog. We’re human, and it’s easy to miss the subtle red flags in a text when it doesn’t have your full attention.
Signs that a text message might be a scam
Unsure if that strange text you’ve received is real? These are just a few of the features that could indicate that it’s a scam:
They ask for personal information
A text message asking for your financial or personal information (like your bank details or passwords) is likely a scam.
There are spelling or grammar errors
A typo or grammar error in a text should make you stop and consider if the message is legitimate.
The tone is urgent or threatening
Messages warning that you need to act right now could be trying to make you panic and act without thinking.
A prize or gift is on offer
A text offering you a free gift or claiming you’re the winner of a prize should be treated with caution. It might just be too good to be true.
It’s from an unfamiliar number
Be careful if you’ve received a text from a number you don’t know and don’t share any details until you’re confident that you know who sent the message. To further complicate things, in some cases a scammer might claim to be a family member or friend texting from another phone. Whatever the situation, it’s always best to verify the identity of the sender before taking any action.
What happens if you text a scammer back?
Responding to a scam text tells the scammers that your number is active and could result in you receiving more scam texts. It could also leave you open to disclosing personal information. The bottom line is it’s best to be cautious and avoid replying to any texts that could be a scam.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
Realizing you’re the victim of a text scam can be extremely upsetting and although it might be difficult to think clearly, there are a few steps you can take, including:
Contacting your bank
If you’ve sent money, explain the situation to your bank and follow their instructions. If the text claims to have been from your bank do not call the contact number in the text, do your own research and find the legitimate contact number for your bank.
Changing your passwords
Change the passwords and login details for any accounts that might be at risk of being accessed by the scammers.
Monitoring your accounts
It’s a good idea to regularly check your bank accounts and credit report for any suspicious activity.
Reporting the scam
Report your experience to relevant authorities, like the FTC in the US, to help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
WE AT STELLAR FORGE MINING WILL NEVER TEXT YOU FOR ACCOUNT INFORMATION OR UPDATES - IF YOU EVER SUSPECT AN ISSUE, PLEASE SEND A MESSAGE TO REPORT@STELLARFORGEMINING.COM
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