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- The messages look like legitimate texts from Apple. They usually suggest that they need to urgently log in to solve some sort of problem. But the login page it directs users to is actually a fake iCloud website, which then steals those details. Once that happens, the attackers may be able to get full access to everything stored within the account.
www.independent.co.uk/tech/apple-iphone-warning-id-scam-phishing-b2578325.htmlApple gives urgent warning to iPhone users over scam that ...
Oct 8, 2024 · Chances are, there are a few scam text messages mixed in—and you weren’t sure if some of them were legitimate messages or not. As we change the way we use technology (nope, not answering an...
- Sage Lazzaro
1 day ago · November 20, 2024 · 9 min read. Text message scams — also known as SMS phishing or smishing — are one of the most popular scam tactics fraudsters use to steal sensitive personal or financial information. Recognizing scam text messages is essential to prevent financial loss, identity theft, and other privacy breaches.
- The Message Is Not Specifically For You
- It's Chock Full of Spelling and Grammatical Errors
- The Message Promises Freebies
- The Message Demands Immediate Action
- It Contains Mysterious Links
- The Message Is from A Bank Or Some Other Financial Institution
- It's Come from An Unusual Number
It's pretty likely that you exchange text messages with a relatively small group of people — friends, family and co-workers. Most people don't get a lot of "cold call" texts from people they don't know, so a message from someone you don't know, or a simple "Hello" directed to no one in particular, is a big red flag. A group message or a text that d...
For whatever reason, spammers who specialize in sending fake messages seem especially bad at grammar and spelling. That's good news for us, because any text purporting to come from a large, legitimate business will ensure its texts are letter perfect. If you get a text that has obvious errors and it's not from a close friend, you can assume it's fa...
Sweepstakes, giveaways and prizes are the stock and trade of the modern marketing industry, so just because you get a text that promises free stuff, that doesn't automatically imply you've gotten a fake test. But there's a good chance it's spam — look for the context clues. If you've been told you have already won, and you simply need to complete s...
One common trick that spammers and fraudsters use is to install a sense of urgency in their message — whether it's to convince you that the message is coming from a friend who needs immediate financial assistance, the IRS looking for a missing payment, or a company warning that you have a problem with your car, house, or some other asset and need t...
Fraudulent texters and spammers try to disguise themselves, so they might include unidentified links in their messages. Never tap a link that doesn't come from someone you know — the link could lead to a phishing site or contain malware. In fact, you can generally assume any text you get from an unknown party that has mysterious links is probably f...
As a general rule, financial institutions don't contact customers via text message, and those that do won't ask for personal details or demand payments that way. Often, spammers won't know who you bank with, so you might get text messages from a bank you don't even have an account with. If they get lucky, though, and spam you with a text from a fin...
Finally, beware of texts from unknown parties — either phone numbers you don't recognize or, worse, lengthy numbers that don't conform to the standard usual 10-digit domestic phone number convention. Texts from international numbers or automated systems can generate these awkward numbers and they are tell-tale signs that you're getting something fr...
- Henry Blodget
3 days ago · Until you can confirm the message is from them, don’t respond to any requests for money or information. An image with a list of messages that come via text in comparison to messages that don’t usually come via text. 7. Promise of a reward or prize. Winning something feels great, and scammers know this.
Aug 25, 2022 · Here's how to avoid the so-called misdirected text scam, where someone tries to trick you into responding so that they can ask you for money or get you to click on a malicious link.
- Chandra Steele
- Senior Features Writer
Nov 14, 2024 · How to detect a fake text message. To detect fake text messages, verify the sender's identity, analyze the writing style for errors, and be cautious with links and attachments. Common signs of fraud include urgent language, unfamiliar sender information, suspicious URLs, or requests for personal details or money.
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Mar 24, 2022 · If you have a cellphone, you likely receive scam text messages. Some of them can appear legitimate, but there are red flags to be on the lookout for that point to a fake message. VERIFY is giving you five key tips you can use to figure out if a text message is a scam.
