The prevalence of text scams has surged significantly in recent years.
The significance of this issue lies in the increasing difficulty of identifying scams, which have also become more financially damaging. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losses of $470 million last year due to scams initiated through text messages, a staggering fivefold increase compared to 2020.
1. Unpaid tolls and traffic tickets
State governments throughout the United States have observed an alarming increase in fraudulent text messages concerning unpaid tolls and traffic violations.
These deceptive communications often impersonate official agencies, aiming to instill a sense of urgency and trick recipients into providing personal information or making payments.
As the prevalence of these scams rises, authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited messages that request sensitive data or prompt immediate action.
This trend not only highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals but also underscores the importance of public awareness and education regarding potential scams.
Numerous states have taken proactive measures by issuing alerts to inform their residents about various concerns. Among these states are New York, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, Colorado, Vermont, Texas, and North Carolina.
Each of these states has recognized the importance of keeping their populations informed, whether it pertains to public safety, health advisories, or environmental issues.
The issuance of alerts serves as a critical communication tool, enabling authorities to disseminate vital information swiftly and effectively, thereby ensuring that citizens are well-prepared to respond to any potential threats or emergencies that may arise.
The specific characteristics of these scams can differ from one state to another; however, they generally involve threats regarding the potential suspension of vehicle registration and the revocation of driving privileges. These fraudulent communications often include links that prompt recipients to make a payment, creating a sense of urgency and fear.
By leveraging these tactics, scammers aim to exploit individuals’ concerns about their legal standing and mobility, thereby increasing the likelihood of compliance with their demands.
It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical of such messages, as they can lead to financial loss and identity theft if not approached with caution.
Seventeen states currently utilize the E-Z Pass system, which facilitates electronic toll collection for motorists. Among these states, New York, New Hampshire, and Virginia have issued warnings to their residents regarding the rise of phishing scams targeting E-Z Pass users.
These scams often involve fraudulent communications that attempt to deceive individuals into providing personal information or financial details under the guise of official correspondence.
Authorities in these states are urging residents to remain vigilant and to verify the authenticity of any messages they receive that claim to be from E-Z Pass, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal data against such malicious attempts.
Steve Grobman, the Chief Technology Officer at McAfee, recently advised a local ABC affiliate in North Carolina that individuals should exercise caution and refrain from clicking on any links contained within suspicious text messages. His warning highlights the potential risks associated with such links, which may lead to phishing attempts or malware infections.
Grobman emphasized the importance of being vigilant in the face of increasing cyber threats, urging users to verify the authenticity of any communication before engaging with it. This guidance serves as a crucial reminder for the public to prioritize their online safety and remain aware of the tactics employed by cybercriminals.
The risks associated with personal information theft are significant, as it can lead to the sale of your data on the dark web. In some instances, the threat is more immediate and tangible, with cybercriminals actively seeking access to your credit or debit card details.
Once they obtain this sensitive information, they may attempt to make unauthorized purchases, leaving you to navigate the complex process of disputing these transactions with your financial institution.
This situation not only causes financial stress but also requires considerable time and effort to resolve, highlighting the importance of safeguarding your personal and financial information against potential breaches.
2. Package deliveries
According to the Federal Trade Commission’s report released in April, the most frequently reported form of text scam involves impersonation of mail carriers.
In these scams, individuals receive notifications regarding alleged problems with their upcoming deliveries, which are designed to deceive them. Major delivery services, including FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service, have issued warnings to alert the public about these impersonation schemes.
FedEx specifically highlighted several warning signs that consumers should be vigilant about, such as unexpected demands for payment in exchange for package delivery, solicitations for personal or financial information, and links that lead to misspelled or slightly modified website addresses.
These indicators serve as crucial reminders for individuals to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any communication they receive regarding their deliveries.
3. Phone providers
Reports have emerged regarding text message scams where individuals pose as representatives of phone service providers. In April, AT&T issued a warning to its customers about “AT&T Rewards scams,” highlighting how fraudsters gain unauthorized access to AT&T accounts to manipulate settings, order devices, or extract sensitive personal information.
As an illustration of these deceptive practices, the company shared an example of a fraudulent message that read: “www.att620.com – Simply sign in to your account to redeem your $620. At AT&T we care about you. Thank you and have a nice day.”
Additionally, similar scams have been reported across various online platforms, with individuals claiming to be Verizon representatives, further emphasizing the need for vigilance among consumers to protect their personal data from such malicious activities.
4. Job offers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has highlighted the prevalence of fraudulent job offers in the current job market. These scams, often referred to as “task scams,” typically lure individuals with the promise of legitimate online employment.
However, the reality is that these schemes require participants to engage in a series of online tasks, which ultimately lead to requests for personal financial investments.
According to the FTC’s website, victims may find themselves entangled in a cycle where they are encouraged to spend their own money under the guise of securing a job, only to discover that the opportunities are nothing more than deceptive ploys designed to exploit their trust and financial resources.
What to do about text scams
The FTC advises people to report suspicious messages.
- Forwarding messages to 7726 (SPAM) helps wireless providers spot and block similar messages.
- You can report messages as spam on either the Apple iMessages app or Google Messages app for Android users.
- You can also report directly to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
