Who is really behind that strange random text that comes out of nowhere?

These days, our phones They are constantly flooded with notifications and it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between legitimate messages and possible scams. Bill from Mesa, Arizona, recently shared an experience that highlights this growing concern:

“Twice in the last week I received text messages supposedly sent elsewhere. The last one asked if I was ‘available tomorrow night’. I didn’t recognize the number, but I’m active at a senior park, so I received many calls and texts from unknown numbers. I replied that my wife thought we were available. A few minutes later I received a text asking if I was Mrs. Amy. I texted her saying I was not the one. Mrs. Amy and which had never been, but it was a problem.

“He texted me back thanking me for being so polite and the sender’s appreciation for polite people and if he was ever in Los Angeles, he would be welcome to a backyard barbecue. Looking back, there were a couple of messages from text more that ended with ‘Like’ make friends with polite people. The first text I deleted had a very similar tone and format. Is this a scam and why and for what?

Bill’s experience is not unique. Many people receive similar messages that seem harmless at first glance, but could potentially be part of a larger message. sinister scheme. Let’s dive into the world of text message scams and learn how to protect ourselves.

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The Anatomy of a Text Message Scam

Text message scams, also known as “smiling” a combination of SMS and phishing, have become increasingly sophisticated. Scammers use various tactics to lure potential victims and gain their trust. Here are some common elements:

Unknown numbers: The message comes from a number you do not recognize. For example, you receive a text message from +1-555-123-4567, a number that is not in your contacts.

Unsolicited contact: The text arrives unexpectedly, often with a friendly or urgent tone. Example: “Hey! Long time no see. How have you been?”

Personal touch: The scammer might use your name or reference a common activity to appear legitimate. Example: “Hi Sarah, it’s Mike from the book club. Are you coming to the meeting next week?”

Too good to be true: Offers of prizes, invitations or other attractive proposals are common. Example: “Congratulations! You’ve won a $500 gift card. Click here to claim your prize!”

Information requests: The scammer may request personal data, either directly or indirectly. Example: “This is your bank. We need to verify your account. Please respond with your account number and PIN.”

Remember, these are all examples of possible scams. Always be careful when receiving unexpected messages, especially those that ask for personal information or contain suspicious links.

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Understand the scammer’s strategy

In Bill’s case, the scammer employed a “long haul” strategy. By engaging in friendly conversations and offering invitations, the scammer aims to build trust over time. The final goal could be:

Phishing to obtain information: Gradually collecting personal data that can be used to identity theft.

Malware distribution: Finally, it sends a link that, when clicked, installs malicious software on your device.

Financial scams: Build trust to eventually request money or financial information.

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How to identify suspicious texts

To protect yourself from text message scams, follow these steps:

• Check the sender: Look at the full email address or phone number, not just the display name.
• Analyze the content: Be wary of messages with urgent subject lines, grammatical errors, or strange URLs.
• Independently verify: If the message claims to be from a known entity, contact them through official channels to confirm.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t let politeness override your judgment.

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What to do if you suspect a scam

If you think you received a scam text message, here are six steps to follow:

1. Don’t answer: Avoid interacting with the scammer to avoid future attempts.

2. Block the number: Use your phone’s built-in blocking features to prevent further contact.

• For iPhone: Open the messagetouch the sender name either numberselect “Information,” so “Block caller“.
• For Android: Open the messagehold down the conversationtouch the three point menu and select “Block” or “Block and report spam.” You may be asked to confirm your decision by clicking Yeah. YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.

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3. Report the message: Forward the suspicious text to 7726 (SPAM). Also, report it directly to the FTC at Report fraud.ftc.gov.

4. Keep your information secure: Never click on links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited text messages.

5. Have powerful antivirus software: Install and run powerful antivirus apps on your phone to scan for malware and ensure your device is safe. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have antivirus software installed on all of your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2025 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

6. Invest in personal data removal services: Consider using a data removal service to remove your personal information from data broker sites. These services can help reduce spam, lower the risk of identity theft, and clean up your online presence by automating the removal of your data from hundreds of data broker sites.

While no service promises to remove all of your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

While it’s natural to want to be polite, as Bill was, remember that your safety and personal information are paramount. Trust your instincts, check unknown contacts, and never hesitate to ignore or block suspicious messages. Remember, a true friend won’t mind if you take extra steps to verify their identity, and a legitimate organization will have official channels of communication.

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How have you or someone you know been affected by text message scams and what steps did you take to protect yourself? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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