Phishing 2.0: Fake Text Messages

By Chapin Mower on March 27, 2024

In our previous blogs focused on cybersecurity, we touched on QR codes, locking down your phone, and what to do in case your cellphone network goes down.  The next area of focus is on Fake Text Messages.  If you are someone who is on your phone a lot (good for you if you aren’t) – you have probably noticed an uptick in spam related text messages.  This is not a coincidence. 

Why is this happening?  Good question!  This is mostly due to marketing companies understanding how consumers operate with different types of messages.  For example, these companies found that 98% of text messages get opened while only 20% of emails get opened[1].  Moreover, consumers tend to check their text messages as they come in, and respond at a much higher rate, compared to the frequency of checking and responding to emails. It is fair to assume that these companies and scam texts are getting smarter at tricking you into believing that there’s immediate action you need to take to claim a prize or prevent theft.  With that, here are five red flags to look out for[2]:

• It Seems Random
  • Phishing messages are usually sent out in masse.  Even though it may seem like a personal message you are receiving, chances are, that is not the case.  For instance, if a text is inquiring about being a Verizon customer and you use AT&T, you know it isn’t real and you should delete the message right away.  A common text that I have been receiving recently: texts from “UPS” saying they were unable to deliver my package and to click the link to handle the delivery.  If I was expecting a package, I know that UPS has never texted me something like that before, so I default to disregarding and deleting the text.  If it seems phishy, it usually is.
• Urgently Demands Action
  • This is a common practice amongst scammers.  Scaring you and demanding quick and immediate action so you don’t have much time to think.  If you read phrases such as “to avoid suspension of your account, please click on this link” or “congratulations! You won a prize for being a Chase customer, please click here to claim your prize” – do not take that bait.  If there ever is something that is urgent and demands your attention, you will be notified in other, more legitimate ways.
• Offer is Too Good To Be True
  • This is similar to the texts that are demanding action.  If an offer is too good to be true, it usually is.  It is human nature to want to believe you won a big cash prize or luxury item, but how often has that legitimately happened?  And even if it has, was it via text message from a number you didn’t recognize?  I highly doubt it. 
• The Language is “Off”
  • Many of these scam texts are from foreign scammers.  If the language seems a bit funky to you, trust your instinct and delete it right away.  Moreover, even if the language seems a little robotic, it’s best to play it safe and not engage in any way.  The rise of AI tools will make the scammers job easier, so it’s always important to have your guard up when reading incoming texts. 
• There’s a Link
  • This is the most important one.  In most cases, there will be a link in scammer texts.  Sometimes scammers will try to initiate conversations and then drop a link on you.  Regardless, it is imperative that you NEVER click on a link that is sent to you unsolicited.  This is a scammer’s ultimate goal – to get you to click on a link so they can then gain access into your cellular phone. 

In summary, if you receive a text message from an unknown number, it is better to be cautious and not interact with the message at all.  If it turns out the message was not spam related, and the message was important, whoever is trying to reach you will find another way to contact you. 

Don’t fall for the scam today – That’s HMA!

References

[1] https://www.spokeo.com/compass/how-to-identify-a-fake-text-message/?g=_em_blog__202403-Spokeo-MKT-Blog_asn&utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&huid=8ad77d3bc76eb6e37ef843fb9a17c8587e343276&utm_campaign=202403-Spokeo-MKT-Blog&utm_term=Fake+Text+(Button)&utm_id=2017890&sfmc_id=832326101