Fake texts are often delivered from nowhere and come from numbers you might not recognize. The content can be, but not always–strange, filled with inflated promises or urgent demands. Find out how to spot and avoid a fake text message. You can read here how to keep your personal information safe and avoid text message scams, which can result in identity fraud.
A text message scam called smishing (SMS Phishing) is a scheme to steal information or money by using text messages. Scam messages that rely on social engineering techniques to trick you into believing that a scammer is a trustworthy individual or entity are referred to as “fake texts.”
Continue reading to find out how to identify a fake text message, the most common text message scams, and what you should do if you find one.
7 Easy Ways to Identify a Fake Text Message
Here are a few of the most effective ways to identify fake text messages.
1. Unknown or random Number
If you don’t know the number texting you, it could be a scam. Beware of phone numbers you’re unfamiliar with, or that don’t correspond to the address of a well-known business. Be wary of phone numbers that are unusually long as well.
Here’s what you should do based on the origin of the mysterious text:
- A Business: Don’t respond or interact with the message. If you suspect it to be authentic, check the business’s online presence and get in touch with them through an official channel.
- Friend contacts: If a friend contacts you through an unknown number, call them using the number in your contact list, or call them in person.
- Your number: This is a fraud designed to attract your attention. Every text message you receive from your mobile number is a fraud. Some messaging applications permit you to send self-initiated messages, but so you don’t forget you left a fake message, then it’s a scam.
Also read: Why do Scammers Use Smartphones to Access Your Data? | Ways to Protect Yourself
2. Irrelevant information
If you receive a text message that doesn’t seem to make sense or isn’t in context, it’s probably a fraud. Even with all their efforts, scammers aren’t aware of what’s happening in your life unless, in the case of an online user share too much. If the text you receive seems to be random and unintentional, it might be a scammer trying to make you feel uncomfortable.
As an example, you may get a “lovely time at dinner last night” text message if you didn’t have dinner. It’s likely that you will inform the person who sent you the message that they’ve got the wrong number, however, that’s exactly what scammers want.
After you have responded to scammers, they may try to do one of two things such as try to begin conversations with you, or record your number as active, and sell it via the dark web.
According to the cybercriminal, if you respond to scam messages, you’re an even more lucrative victim of scams. In manipulating you to respond to the message with a “wrong number,” they’ve established that you are the owner of the number. They want you to consider it a harmless conversation, but it’s an attempt to gather information.
3. Sense of urgency
Scammers usually create a fake urgent situation to force victims to act swiftly. Be wary of messages that require immediate action, particularly if they appear unorthodox for the organization or individual.
Here are some examples of scams trying to exploit an urgency feeling:
- A fake card or bank issuer contacts you with an urgent alert about fraud and requests you to confirm your identity to access or secure your account.
- A streaming service informs you that they’ll cancel your account within a matter of hours or days if they don’t verify your identity.
- A delivery service asks you to click on an icon to enter your address or any other personal information to get the delivery in the next few hours, but the link downloads malware or directs you to a fake website.
- A person pretends that they are a tech support agent and claims that your phone is infected with some sort of virus or issue they have to resolve. This is a typical type of scam targeting older people; however, scammers will usually target those from all age groups.
If a sense that you are in a hurry is felt, you should slow down and be aware before you react or engage in a text conversation.
4. Spammy link
Be wary if you receive the link in a text message. Cybercriminals use links to trick you into visiting harmful web pages or downloading malicious software. A fake text message aims to get the users excited to discover what’s happening on the other side.
Here are a few examples of fake text message scams involving text-based links you could encounter:
- Package delivery issue: You’re asked to change your information using an email to be eligible for an email with a delivery.
- Survey request: You’re asked to take a survey, and you get rewarded with a gift card.
- Account verification is required: You get a fake bank text message that asks you to verify your identity to protect your account.
Be cautious, as scammers may use SMS spoofing and pretend to be someone or a business you are familiar with or also. They do this by re-creating the sender’s ID with a trusted company, trying to put you at ease and not have to think about making a move.
5. Grammar and grammatical mistakes
Be wary of text with mistakes in grammar or typos. These texts are believed to come from corporations or trusted organisations. Legitimate companies usually have strict communication standards to protect their brand image. Scammers usually don’t have access to the same sources or know-how (although they may have access to generative AI tools that are transforming that).
Here are some signs of a fake text message:
- language: Search for odd words, formal language or a broad range of expressions like “Dear Sir/Madam.”
- Incorrect brand: Verify the branding and particular stylizations to be sure that it is compatible with the information you have (e.g., iPhone vs. iPhone).
- Typos: Multiple spelling or grammar errors in the entire message.
Sometimes hackers pretend to be a family member or friend and fake their number. If you have a person who usually utilizes “u” who suddenly uses “you,” that might be an indication that something suspect is going on.
6. Unexpected contact
Be wary of messages sent by companies or individuals you haven’t spoken to in the past. Text messages that are not expected may be fake text message scams.
Businesses must comply with legal requirements regarding texting. For instance it is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) requires businesses to obtain your consent prior to sending any automated text messages. In the absence of this permission, companies’ reputations may be damaged or they could be subject to penalties.
What about the companies that you work with? Be aware that scammers can use spoofing to fool you into thinking that it’s your streaming or banking service. For instance, a fraudster might impersonate your bank to claim that your account is shut. However, banks do not send important messages, such as account closure notifications, via text. If you’re unsure if an email is authentic, you can contact the company by using an official contact number that is listed on their site.
If you receive a message from a family or friend member that you haven’t spoken to in a while and asks for information or money, make sure you check any contacts you have in common before you respond. If they’re on a different channel that is verified, such as social media, attempt to reach them directly. In the meantime, until you know for sure that the message comes from them, don’t reply to any requests for cash or any other information.
Also read: Why Do Scammers Ask for Gift Cards?
7. Offer a reward or prize
It’s a great feeling to win something. It’s a great feeling, and scammers are aware of this. They often provide fake prizes in exchange for cash or personal information. If the goal is to steal your data and information, it could be an effective means to take your identity or even drain your financial accounts. When you’ve “won” something in a contest that you weren’t signed up for, you could be a victim of fraud.
Here are a few examples of ways that rewards can be used to trick to lure you into falling for fraud:
- Pay to verify: You’ve supposedly won an amount of money, but you’ll need to pay a small sum to cover administrative expenses.
- Credentials: You’ve won a prize however, you must provide your details to verify your identity.
- Online shipping: You’ve been awarded a prize, however, you must pay the shipping charge to get it.
- Open a URL: You’re offered 500 loyalty points on your reward card, however, you’ll need to sign in to the website mentioned in the text.
- Refer a friend: You could win a $100 gift card when you refer three people via a specific link.
What to Do If You Receive a Fake Text Message
When you get a fake text message that you think is a scam, take these steps:
- Don’t respond.
- Block the number in your messaging application.
- Forward the message to the address 7726, and notify your wireless provider about the fraud.
- Send the information to the FTC’s official reporting website.
- Utilize a breach-checker to determine whether your phone number or other information has been compromised during an incident of data breach. If it is, then install 2-factor authentication (2FA) on any accounts that were compromised. You should also change your passwords to ensure they’re secure and unique.
❌ Don’t Do This:
- Don’t Click Links – They may lead to phishing sites or download malware.
- Don’t Share Personal Info – No legitimate organization asks for sensitive data over text.
- Don’t Panic – Scammers rely on fear and urgency. Stay calm and assess before acting
Conclusion
A fake text message, or smishing scam, is a growing threat designed to steal your personal information or money. By staying alert, not engaging with suspicious messages, and reporting them to the proper authorities, you can protect yourself and help prevent others from becoming victims. Always think before you click, and when in doubt, verify the source through official channels. Your caution is your best defense.
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