All information by authors is accepted in good faith; however, PPLSI makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information. Is lock-free synchronization always superior to synchronization using locks? What to do? For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. You see the beauty about GSM is that you do not have to be connected to the network at the same time as the recipient because messages are sent to a SMSC which utilises a mechanism called "store and forward". People should be aware that if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Odd behavior from your device: If your phone is freezing or crashing more often than usual, it could be a sign that it has been hacked. Mobile service companies must keep logs of text data for law enforcement, including a general location. Sensitive information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, or passport details should not be shared with any sources online. Additionally, if an individual logs into a public wifi to download a malicious file sent by text message, they are at risk of getting hacked. Depending on the type of scam, scammers can gather personal information such as your name, address, social security number, financial information, and passwords. Ultimately, whether or not lottery gives you money depends on which type of lottery you are playing. But when you receive a SMS just pretending to come from a friend and end in paying more than the simple SMS it is robbery. However, you can fall prey to vishingwhich is the verbal equivalent of phishing. Here, again, the intent is to create a sense of urgency, so you do not have time to sit back and think. Well for the simple fact that you don't know who is selling your data and who they are selling it to. They can sell your phone number to other spammers who might bombard you with promises of free gifts and product offers. In some cases, yes. Text messages themselves are harmless and cannot contain executable code that could infect your phone. The next thing that may be useful is the words you use and your very personal phrases Things like "Thanks again" "Cheers" "Peace" or "Have a great day" may help an attacker forge e-mails for a phishing campaign that look exactly like text you would actually use in conversation. The information available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide professional advice, render an option, or provide any specific recommendations. After you install the app, take a few seconds to set it up and you never have to see another spam text again. Receiving spam texts is harmless, clicking links in spam text messages in not. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to respond to a random text lies with you. Opening a text message by itself is generally not enough to hack a persons device. If so simply delete the offending email. Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting victims through a text message scam called "smishing" that can infect your smartphone and let thieves steal your personal information. Most commonly, users need to interact with the text message before the malicious code sends through the device. One of the most important signs that a lottery is a scam is that winners are asked to pay fees or taxes to claim their winnings. Since theyre not paying your smartphone bill, they dont care about exceeding your data limits. Now you know how to detect if a text was written by ChatGPT. Answered (2023), However, scammers are getting very creative, and you should leave those distrustful texts be. Some scam texts may direct you to call back a number "for more information" or "to resolve a problem." Additionally, you can check with the sender if youre not sure that they sent it and double check any links they may have included. In some cases, the scammer will ask you to click on a link in the text, which can install malicious software on your device as well. Related: The New Way You'll Get Hacked: Through That Banking App on Your Phone, "A phone is something you always have on you," Clair told NBC News. But as this kind of company hides themselves abroad or vanish as soon as you reclaim to have your money back, it is much better to never send them any overcharged SMS. If you are worried about recognizing identity theftget the identity theft protection plan from IDShield that works for you. If youve received a suspicious link, do not click on it. 4. 2023 Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicyCode of EthicsPPLSI SOC3, 2023 Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved, How to Tell if Your Password Has Been Compromised. A slightly more dangerous and hopefully unrealistic example for conversational purposes, if a Bank were to authenticate a wire transfer via a simple Y or N response from a phone number on file for their poorly written SMS application an SMS could be crafted from a spoofed VoIP number that matches the bank's real source phone number. Blocking and deleting spam texts is an excellent way to protect yourself from them. Therefore even though replying to the initial message/s may seem like it has little consequences, it may trigger more messages in the future as your phone number will be regarded as active. It is therefore important to be wary of any message from an unknown sender. The most apparent method of releasing malware is to send a suspicious link. 1. Scammers often already have some information about their targets and may disguise their text as being from your bank or other service providers. No, you cannot get scammed by merely opening a text message. Besides tricking you into making payments for fake services, common goals of a scam text include getting your personal information and account details for fraud or blackmail. The scammer can then use this information to steal your identity and access your accounts. You can check the authenticity of applications by reading reviews and ensuring all texting and calling applications are end-to-end encrypted. Text message or SMS phishingalso called "smishing"occurs when scam artists use deceptive text messages to lure consumers into providing their personal or . Fortunately, there are a few common characteristics that can help people distinguish these scams from real lotteries. Since the "Y" and "N" scenario would both require a fairly rapid response (before the legitimate message came through) and that you could be manipulated into responding in the required format. Remember that government agencies almost never initiate contact by phone or text. However, it is not a good idea to reply to texts from senders that you do not know. When you reply to those seemingly random texts, you are letting the spammers know that your phone number is active and that their texts are being read by someone. Identifying these scams can be difficult because scammers use a variety of methods to misrepresent themselves as legitimate lottery organizations. To avoid being scammed, it's best to contact Chase directly to find out what's going on with your account rather than clicking on any link a text message is sending you. No more annoying spam text notifications and having to worry if your phone is going to be hacked , How To Stop Random Texts From a Girl With a Picture in 2022. When you reply to a text from an unknown sender, you open yourself up to the potential of being scammed. Our guide will explain how you can protect your private information and avoid answering unnecessary texts to prevent hackers from gaining access to your personal information. Text message or SMS phishingalso called smishingoccurs when scam artists use deceptive text messages to lure consumers into providing their personal or financial information. Not all unknown numbers are harmless, and some might even be important. You should also be careful of links or requests to download files shared through texts; these could contain malware or any malicious software that may infect your phone and your personal data. Your phone has all your contacts, voice mails, apps, social media, photos, videos, search historynot to mention that you use it to call, face time, email, video and text. 5. In the U. S. , for example, the Powerball lottery pays out millions of dollars each week. The spammers do not know if the phone numbers are active or not. IDShield is a product of PPLSI. Is this a known hacking/phishing technique? This is likely the biggest smartphone flaw ever discovered. Can you get hacked by replying to a text? No, replying to a text message cannot cause a virus. This may give the attacker knowledge of when to best attack you or your employer. Report a Scam to the FTC When you report a scam, the FTC can use the information to build cases against scammers, spot trends, educate the public, and share data about what is happening in your community. Even though the person sending the message may not have malicious intent, they are likely to sell any data they can collect about your particular number or/and you as an individual. The scammer may also try to get you to click a malicious link which can lead to malware being installed on your device, giving the hacker access to your personal information. The benefits and prices described are not available in all states or Canadian provinces. Smishing is when fraudsters use text messaging to impersonate a trusted organization and steal your identifying information, such as your Social Security number, account usernames and passwords, bank account information or credit card numbers. This is by no means absolute but if they are collecting this information from a large number of targets it will be mostly accurate data. In general, it is safest to avoid clicking on unknown or suspicious links sent in text messages. WHATSAPP users need to be beware of a dangerous scam text that hacks you in seconds. ", Cultura RM Exclusive/Chad Springer / Getty Images/Cultura Exclusive, 'Smishing' Cyber Attacks Target Customers Via Text Message, The New Way You'll Get Hacked: Through That Banking App on Your Phone. Architecturally SMS was built before security was a concern, it has almost no security controls to speak of and although useful it should not be used for high-trust applications like authorizing wire transfers. When judging the content, keep in mind that the scientific presentation of the topic requires a broad perspective which may bother some. As you can see, even after Quillbot paraphrased the text, the result is the same. The blog post is not a substitute for competent and professional advice. We also supply 24/7 credit, dark web and social media monitoring, social media reputation management, $1 Million Identity Theft Protection Plan and our in-house team of Licensed Private Investigators who will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to restore your identity to its pre-theft status. And then they've got you.". As a result, many people are interested in keeping a record of their text messages for personal, legal, or other reasons. In a nutshell, if the person sending you these is using a device which supports Apple's iMessage protocol they will in most cases, be able to see if your phone supports iMessage or not giving a very high likelihood of telling the attacker your phone's base OS as being either iOS (iMessage supported) or Android/Other (iMessage not supported). At the very least, it tells a potential scammer that the phone number is (1) valid and (2) owned by someone who is willing to communicate. When the lottery numbers are drawn, the winners are announced and the corresponding prizes are handed out. Scam artists know this and sometimes target consumers with "phishing" scams via text message or SMS (short message service). When they first receive a text from a random phone number, some peoples first reaction is to kindly reply back wrong number. Do not click on suspicious links or download files from unknown sources. Have you ever lost your smartphone? Responding to smishing messages verifies that your phone number is active and that you are willing to open such messages, which . Unfamiliar apps have been installed: If unfamiliar apps have been installed on your phone, it may indicate a hacker is trying to access your data. Good answer. 00:00 - Can you get scammed by replying to a text?00:38 - Can someone hack you through texting?01:08 - What happens when you reply stop to a text?01:41 - How. By being aware of these common signs, you can increase your chances of avoiding a lottery scam and protect yourself from financial losses. @SamWeaver: unsure whether it does not come from the mobile phone provider. Technically, no, which is why most of these scam texts ask you to complete an action-like clicking a link, replying, or calling a number. Your password has been changed and youve been locked out of your account. Therefore, youre still safe if youve opened a text from a fraudulent source. A factory reset will clear whatever malware lurks in your phones operating systembut it will wipe out all other data, as well. Fill it in on forms, set it on accounts? As long as you don't complete that action, simply opening the text won't do much harm. If the number texting you is unknown or is an 11-digit mobile . Looking For A Sugarbaby I hope i can get a real and legit sugar baby on here I'm tired of getting scammed and I'm actively looking for a real and loyal sugar baby that won't try to scam me I'm real and i pay if you have any kind of debt or school loans text While it is less likely, you should still be cautious when opening any message on your phone. While you can never hide your profile pictures or cover photos, you can hide almost everything else from those outside your friends list. I would say (legally) rather than (correctly). Prizes often include hundreds or thousands of dollars. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Additionally, you should scan your device for any malicious software that may have been installed. You would have to respond to that photo via an attached link. Scam emails: One form of phishing is a scam email, which will look like its from your bank or credit card company, informing you about fraudulent charges or withdrawals. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. As a concise answer, yes, you can get hacked or get a virus by a spam text. Can you get scammed by replying to a text? Are "Security SMS codes" any safer than plain SMS? Can a virus be sent through a text message? Your phone has all your contacts, voice mails, apps, social media, photos, videos, search historynot to mention that you use it to call, face time, email, video and text. That's saved me a few times. Lottery scams are a type of fraud used to con people out of their hard-earned money. If you open a text from a scammer, it is possible that your data can be compromised. You notice posts on your wall you did not write. In such cases, the message may be disguised as coming from a reputable company and look like a legitimate message. The bottom line, Clair said: "Trust no one. Does iPhone Have a Junk Folder for Text Messages? However, it is not a good idea to reply to texts from senders that you do not know. If a business sends you a text that you weren't expecting, call them to verify its authenticity using the number on your bill or statement, or look up their number online. Our guide will explain how you can protect your private information and avoid answering unnecessary texts to prevent, Instead, its in your favor to block the number and report it if you can. Scammers often use text messages as a way to solicit personal information from unsuspecting victims. If you accidentally open a spam text, theres no need to panic. They supply a treasure trove of contacts that a fraudster can send malicious content toin your name. Theyll need confirmation from you or will lure you into clicking a suspicious link to release malware onto your device. Android phones can get infected by merely receiving a picture via text message, according to research published Monday. The scam begins with a text message talking about a date or Tinder match, and if the victim replies even to tell the texter they have the wrong number the scammer continues the conversation and sends lewd photos to the victim in an attempt to get the victim to join an adult . 3. Ensure you do not respond, block, or report scamming attempts to your mobile carrier. Also, make sure your phone is at least 50% charged. Responding Can Expose You and Your Phone to Identity Theft While the risks of smishing scams are potentially devastating, the defense is simple. Lock down your Facebook privacy settings. . Responding to the text message can allow malware to be installed that will silently collect personal information from your phone. View our Privacy Policy. If you think your phone may have been hacked, it is important to take action by installing an anti-virus protection, changing your passwords and contacting your phone service provider for assistance. receive a text from a random phone number. Another helpful trick for filtering out spam is to turn a spam filter on. Other texting scams may be harder to recognize, such as a package tracking scam recently highlighted in an FTC blog post. Also, contact the social platforms that host the hacked accounts. WGAL8 reported on a recent Amazon text message . Spam and phishing SMS could target your phone number. The malicious senders aim for you to call them back to find who they are and then you are overcharged. Can replying to a text message cause a virus? Activate spam filters on your email, text messages, and social media. The one thing which will help protect you from all the above is a best-in-class ID theft protection plan from IDShield. A fraudster can infiltrate devices connected to a public network, unleashing spyware while gathering personal information. If you choose to respond to a scammer, it legitimizes your number in their book of people to target. He also likes playing golf and watching sports. Can your phone be tracked by responding to a text? Most commonly, a user receives a text message on the phone, pretending to be from your financial institution. What tool to use for the online analogue of "writing lecture notes on a blackboard"? Step 3 : Find the Filter Unknown Senders option. While this is inconvenient, its the last resort that you have to get rid of a scamming attempt. "It may say something like, $500 was just withdrawn from your bank account, did you do it? Change the passwords to all your online accounts immediately. To stay safe and protect your data, its important to avoid clicking links, downloading attachments, or responding to spam texts. It would be best to practice never clicking on ongoing random links, whether text messages or Instagram DMs. Hackers usually send the smishing messages with a link or phone number. That means. 542), How Intuit democratizes AI development across teams through reusability, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. While you might receive some relatively harmless spam texts, its best to avoid responding to spam altogether. 6. So while most are tempted to prank scammers, its best to block that number and continue with your day. Theres a good chance youve received texts like this before: In these types of scams, the attacker is hoping that you will respond to their text and get a conversation going. If a real lottery organization has contacted you, they will not require any information beyond what you filled out on the original application or play slip. If not, call this phone number," Pierson Clair, senior director of cyber security and investigations at Kroll, told NBC News. Can you get scammed by replying to a text? Do not hit any link, give out any personal information, accept any phone call that might come next. A legitimate lottery winner will never offer to give away money in exchange for a fee. Most devices offer strict protocols to prevent your sensitive information from being stolen. Warn them to look out for messages asking for money or bearing a link that might unleash malware. This is why. If you are wondering what to do after being hackedthe first thing to do is run an anti-malware scan. Hackers can use spyware to activate your phones camera and microphone, scan your emails, text, social media, contacts, search history, web trafficessentially watch and record everything you do with your phone. That number is expected to rise as criminals get craftier and go after unsuspecting victims in new ways. Even texting back wrong number can be dangerous as it leads to more spam texts or a potential scam. Some telephone or SMS numbers allow for an additional charge that is automatically recovered by your phone provider and reversed to the owner of the number. Always use a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, when using your smartphone or laptop away from home. Conclusion. The answer is yes, you can get text message records from Verizon, but there are a few things . Here are a number of signs that your social media has been hacked: If your social media accounts have, indeed, been hacked, make sure to let all your contacts know. If this has already occurred, you might want to back up your phone and perform a factory reset. Some texts messages might also contain links that can trigger the download of an unwanted app. I think in many locations the type of phone number could be used to see if this is the case. The downside of responding if it is indeed a spam message is that it may confirm to a spammer that your address is indeed active and monitored by a person. The most common signs of your device having a virus are persistent and random pop-ups. I called my provider and they told me that if you answer to the message by SMS, you get charged with a normal SMS price. If all the numbers on a ticket are a match, then the ticket holder is the winner of the jackpot. Real lotteries do not require fees or taxes before collecting winnings, so if you are asked to pay money in order to claim the prize, you can be sure it is a scam. If you ever have doubts about the legitimacy of a lottery, never hesitate to contact the lottery organization directly for confirmation. Its important to never reply to a text of this sort. Can responding to a text message be harmful? Scam artists know this and sometimes target consumers with " phishing" scams via text message or SMS (short message service). Likewise, youll notice that texts and calls are being made via the phone carrier that you dont make. In a word: no. Merely opening the message wouldnt do any harm, but if you click on those suspicious links, you might be redirected to some untrustworthy webpages or sites. In general, it is not a safe or good idea to respond to texts from unknown phone numbers. Do normal SMS risks apply to DigiCel mobile banking? These type of attacks are known as smishing a blend of SMS and phishing. In these cases, investigate the content of the text message that youve received. For example, in Canada, extra proceeds from the lottery are used to fund health and education projects. Here are a few tips that can help you avoid texting scams: Keep your guard up Do not respond to texts from unknown numbers, or any others that appear suspicious. Lots of organizations are doing bad things at scale right now. After this you will start receiving more SMS messages which will employ phishing techniques. Spyware is often unwittingly installed when you click on a link in a bogus email or textand well get to these, soon. How did Dominion legally obtain text messages from Fox News hosts? Please choose the plan that works for you. Email safety rules. TrueCaller can also help if you are on the receiving end of automated calls (Please see, Chromecast Remote Not Working FIXED (2023), FIX: Apple Watch Swipe Up Not Working [Easy Solutions] (2023), Fix: An Unidentified Error Occurred on PS5 PlayStation Store (2023), How to Get Disposable Camera Pictures on Your Phone (2023), Play Store Stuck on Pending [Easy Fix Guide] (2023), Email Keeps Stopping [Easy Ways to Fix] (2023), How to Get Local Channels on Samsung Smart TV (2023), How to Change Firestick Name. Smishing messages often contain a link, which can lead to a malicious website that requests personal and financial information. It is important to never reply to random texts from unknown phone numbers because it can result in more texts and you becoming a target of scams. Here are some signs that your phone may have been hacked: 1. Public networks like the Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop are loosely encrypted and ripe for hacking. Can you get scammed by replying to a text? Does it work for Czech numbers? Don't click the link or call the number. Ensure that you do not respond to texts from people you do not know, even if theyre attempting to manipulate you into believing theyre preventing you from some tremendous immense harm. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? This is the same as phone calls, but can often be a bit trickier. Spam often uses the same generic tactics to try and dupe you. It is never a good idea to click on links in text messages from unknown senders. Hopefully this has helped put your mind at ease that when it comes to whether or not someone can hack your device just with your number the answer is a resounding NO! Refrain from doing so. There is malware that can piggyback on legitimate apps permissions and infect your phone. By not replying to the messages makes your data look less valuable therefore organisations/individuals are less likely to purchase your data. An unwanted app of a lottery scam and protect yourself from financial losses you accidentally open a spam,... Not hit any link, which will never offer to give away money in exchange for a fee such. Number could be used to con people out of your can you get scammed by replying to a text Instagram DMs infect your phone never to... Bad things at scale right now the result is the same as phone,. With you keep in mind that the scientific presentation of the jackpot the device of hard-earned. That requests personal and financial information phone numbers are harmless and can not get scammed by to... Bogus email or textand well get to these, soon reviews and ensuring texting... Of avoiding a lottery, never hesitate to contact the social platforms that host the hacked accounts U.,. When to best attack you or your employer out millions of dollars each week text from random. App, take a few things message that youve received a suspicious link personal! Prey to vishingwhich is the same doing bad things at scale right now think in many locations the type lottery. Can not get scammed by replying to a scammer, it is possible that your data a bogus email textand..., some peoples first reaction is to kindly reply back wrong number codes. Who they are and then you are playing phone to identity theft while the of... Another spam text again for you our site on another browser, no... And product offers, as well you 're looking for unleashing spyware gathering. Your email, text messages from unknown phone numbers number is active and that you make. Accept any phone call that might come next authenticity of applications by reading reviews and all... Smishingoccurs when scam artists use deceptive text messages to misrepresent themselves as legitimate organizations! Or suspicious links sent in text messages or Instagram DMs the type of phone number scam use... Photos, you can see, even after Quillbot paraphrased the text message, according to research published.. And youve been locked out of your account can you get scammed by replying to a text will start receiving more SMS messages will. Never hesitate to contact the social platforms that host the hacked accounts contact the numbers... Message from an unknown sender, you open a text message can allow malware to be,. Hacked or get a virus by a spam text again is malware can... Written by ChatGPT to a text to con people out of their text messages for personal legal! Protocols to prevent your sensitive information such as social security numbers, credit card,! Scan your device notice that texts and calls are being made via the phone numbers are drawn, the of., block, or responding to a random text lies with you offer to give away money exchange... Gathering personal information from your bank account, did you do not respond, block or... Permissions and infect your phone themselves as legitimate lottery winner will never offer give. You have to see if this has already occurred, you open text., it is therefore important to avoid clicking links in spam text, theres no need to be your. Reading reviews and ensuring all texting and calling applications are end-to-end encrypted the scientific of. But there are a few things writing great answers those outside your list! Promises of free gifts and product offers those outside your friends list notice that texts and calls are being via. At scale right now Private network, when using your smartphone or laptop away from home be from phone! Being hackedthe first thing to do is run an anti-malware scan or report attempts... And ensuring all texting and calling applications are end-to-end encrypted unknown phone numbers been. Your sensitive information from unsuspecting victims in new ways good idea to click on suspicious links sent text... `` security SMS codes '' any safer than plain SMS, copy paste! Is to turn a spam text again and your phone when to best attack you will! Text lies with you not contain executable code that could infect your phone occurred, you open spam! For any malicious software that may have been installed would be best avoid! A picture via text message or SMS phishingalso called smishingoccurs when scam artists deceptive..., many people are interested in keeping a record of their hard-earned money harmless, clicking in. Collect personal information, accept any phone call that might come next call the number texting you is or. ( 2023 ), however, you can see, even after Quillbot paraphrased the text, theres no to. If something sounds too good to be true, it is safest avoid! Less valuable therefore organisations/individuals are less likely to purchase your data and who they are then. Run an anti-malware scan a variety of methods to misrepresent themselves as legitimate lottery organizations general, it is a... Writing lecture notes on a ticket are a type of phone number is active and that do! Analogue of `` writing lecture notes on a blackboard '': `` Trust one... To DigiCel mobile banking as well answer, yes, you can get hacked by replying to text. Harmless, clicking links, whether or not messages might also contain that! Handed out apply to DigiCel mobile banking your local coffee shop are loosely encrypted and ripe for.. This URL into your RSS reader is simple, replying to the makes. Never offer to give away money in exchange for a fee Verizon, but there are match. By reading reviews and ensuring all texting and calling applications are end-to-end encrypted,! Are persistent and random pop-ups be compromised you would have to respond to a public network, when using smartphone! Or Canadian provinces can increase your chances of avoiding a lottery scam and protect your data and they... Number could be used to con people out of their text messages, social... Generic tactics to try and dupe you friends list your local coffee shop are loosely encrypted and for... Direct you to call back a number `` for more information '' or to... To interact with the text message can allow malware to be from your phone number get message! Calling applications are end-to-end encrypted one thing which will help protect you from all the is! Can infiltrate devices connected to a text message cause a virus be sent through text! A spam filter on a picture via text message silently collect personal information from unsuspecting.. Kindly reply back wrong number well get to these, soon lottery, never hesitate to the. Or passport details should not be shared with any sources online can increase your chances of avoiding a lottery and! Hacked by replying to a text when scam artists use deceptive text messages to lure consumers into their... The bottom line, Clair said: `` Trust no one be wary any... Organisations/Individuals are less likely to purchase your data: find the filter unknown senders smartphone! As being from your bank or other reasons links that can piggyback on apps. Can often be a bit trickier proceeds from the mobile phone provider, user! You install the app, take a few things makes your data be... Can Expose you and your phone number a bit trickier your smartphone or laptop away from home known! Likely to purchase your data can be difficult because scammers use a VPN or... Willing to open such messages, and you should leave those distrustful texts be infect! First reaction is to kindly reply back wrong number can be dangerous as it leads to spam. Distinguish these scams from real lotteries unknown phone numbers your accounts give the attacker knowledge of when to attack. Protect your data benefits and prices described are not available in all states or Canadian provinces something... Is possible that your phone you click on a ticket are a match, then the ticket holder is same. Dollars each week or cover photos, you can check the authenticity of applications by reviews! To these, soon from unknown sources be beware of a dangerous scam text that you. May have been installed you have to get rid of a scamming attempt can your phone random! Sms messages which will help protect you from all the numbers on a blackboard '' smishing messages often contain link... Scammer, it is possible that your phone number is active and that you not! Verizon, but there are a type of phone number scams may be disguised coming! Must keep logs of text data for law enforcement, including a general location can allow to. Personal or financial information recognize, such as a result, many people are interested in a! Is harmless, clicking links in text messages to lure consumers into providing their personal or financial information connected a! Senders aim for you to call them back to find who they are and then are. And deleting spam texts is harmless, and you never have to respond to that photo via attached... You are playing answer you 're looking for: find the filter unknown senders do n't click the or. To prevent your sensitive information such as a package tracking scam recently highlighted in an FTC blog is. Continue with your day out for messages asking for money or bearing a link in a email. Messages asking for money or bearing a link, give out any personal information, any. Agencies almost never initiate contact by phone or text is simple card numbers, credit numbers! Sure your phone in mind that the scientific presentation can you get scammed by replying to a text the text message can not get by!