Is that really a text from your CEO… or Is it a Scam?

You might be used to receiving text messages from your friends, family, or coworkers. But what if you get a text message from someone claiming to be your CEO, asking you to do something urgent? It could be a scam. 

Text message scams, also known as text phishing scams, are a type of fraud that uses deceptive text messages to trick you into giving up your personal or financial information. Scammers often impersonate someone you know or trust, such as your boss, your bank, or a government agency, to make their messages seem more convincing. 

How do Text Phishing Scams work?

Text phishing scams work by creating a sense of urgency or curiosity in the recipient. The scammer might tell you that there is a problem with your account, that you have won a prize, that you need to confirm some details, or that you need to perform a task for your boss. The scammer might also include a link or an attachment in the message, which could lead you to a fake website or install malware on your phone. 

The goal of the scammer is to get you to reveal your personal or financial information, such as your passwords, account numbers, credit card details, or Social Security number. If they get that information, they could use it to access your accounts, steal your identity, or sell it to other scammers. 

How can you spot Phishing through Text Scams?

Text phishing scams can be hard to spot, especially if they look like they come from someone you know or trust. However, there are some signs that can help you identify fraudulent text messages: 

– The message has a generic greeting or no greeting at all. 

– The message contains spelling or grammatical errors. 

– The message asks you to click on a link or open an attachment that you were not expecting. 

– The message asks you to provide personal or financial information that the sender should already have. 

– The message creates a sense of urgency or pressure to act quickly. 

– The message sounds too good to be true. 

How can you protect yourself from text phishing scams? 

The best way to protect yourself from text phishing scams is to be careful about what messages you open and respond to. Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to text phishing scams: 

 – Use spam filters on your phone to block unwanted messages. 

– Do not give out your personal or financial information over text messages. 

– Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown senders. 

– Verify the identity of the sender before taking any action. 

– Be wary of messages that create a sense of urgency or offer something too good to be true. 

– Keep your phone and apps updated with the latest security patches. 

Text phishing scams are a common and dangerous form of fraud that can cost you money and compromise your identity. By being aware of how they work and how to spot them, you can protect yourself and your information from scammers. 

If you are interested in learning more about phishing scams or just protecting your personal data in general, feel free to contact our agents at GoGeekz where we are happy to help you.