There has been an increase of agents reporting scam “phishing” text messages. The short answer of what to do is to take a picture of your screen, or copy the text, and paste it into a new text addressed to 7726. This reports the scam text to the authorities. Then delete the suspected scam text.
Maybe you’ve received an odd request from another member of our company, or a text from a friend that is obviously not really from them. You might get a text with a link to click for more information about a transaction or an account of yours you weren’t expecting. Text scams come in many forms.
The best ways to protect yourself are:
Don’t click links from within a text. Always use the internet to look up the corresponding information or call the person or company directly. For example: FedEx texts you information about a package arriving you weren’t expecting, with a link for more information. Do not click the link. Call FedEx or look on their website yourself to find out more.
If you get a text message that asks you to give personal information, don’t click on any links. Legitimate companies won’t ask for information about your account by text.
NEVER respond to a spam text message, it only encourages the spam texter. If you’ve mistakenly communicated with a scammer, cut off communication immediately and delete the text stream.
While these text scams can be disconcerting, you can take action. Reporting the scam to the authorities is the first and most important step. If you feel like doing more, you can try filtering or blocking scam texts but it is often not very effective.
REPORTING
The most effective way to report a text scam is to:
Copy the message or take a picture of the screen of your phone with the message showing.
Open a new text message addressed to 7726, paste the information you copied or photographed in and send.
Delete the original message.
FILTERING
There are other steps you can take to FILTER unwanted text messages to try and stop them before they reach you.
On your phone:
Your phone may have an option to filter and block messages from unknown senders or spam. Here’s how to filter and block messages on an iPhone and how to block a phone number on an Android phone.
Through your wireless provider:
Your wireless provider may have a tool or service that lets you block calls and texts messages. Check ctia.org, a website for the wireless industry, to learn about the options from different providers.
With a call-blocking app:
Some call-blocking apps also let you block unwanted text messages. Go to ctia.org for a list of call-blocking apps for Android, BlackBerry, Apple, and Windows phones.
You can also search for apps online. Check out the features, user ratings, and expert reviews.
BLOCKING
Block phone numbers, contacts, and emails on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Blocking and reporting spam on your Android device
Hopefully this information will be helpful to understand the basics of text scamming and what you can do about them. The best rule of thumb is if something seems suspicious to you, delete it!
Comments