The Biggest SMS scams of 2021
2021 is only a few months away, and that means we can expect new and even more sophisticated SMS scams to start making the rounds. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the biggest SMS scams of the year, and we'll provide tips for how you can protect yourself from them. Stay safe out there!
As a CMO, you need to be aware of the various types of scams that are out there. Unfortunately, SMS scams are on the rise and can be particularly dangerous. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the biggest SMS scams of 2021 and how you can protect your company from them. Stay safe!
1. The fake shipping notification scam. This scam involves receiving a text message that appears to be from a shipping company like UPS or FedEx, informing you that you have a package on the way. The message will often include a link to track the package, which leads to a phishing website designed to steal your personal information. To avoid this scam, never click on links in text messages from unknown senders. If you're expecting a package, go directly to the shipping company's website to track it.
2. The fake contest scam. This scam involves receiving a text message informing you that you've won a contest or prize. The message will often include a link to claim your prize, which leads to a phishing website designed to steal your personal information. To avoid this scam, don't click on any links in text messages from unknown senders. If you've actually entered a contest, contact the organization running the contest directly to claim your prize.
3. The fake phone bill scam. This scam involves receiving a text message that appears to be from your cell phone provider, informing you that your bill is ready to view online. The message will include a link to view your bill, which leads to a phishing website designed to steal your personal information. To avoid this scam, never click on links in text messages from unknown senders. If you're expecting a phone bill, go directly to your cell phone provider's website to view it.
4. The fake charity donation scam. This scam involves receiving a text message that appears to be from a reputable charity, asking for donations for a cause such as a disaster relief or medical research. The message will include a link to donate, which leads to a phishing website designed to steal your personal information. To avoid this scam, only donate directly to reputable charities through their official websites or by mailing in a check. Don't click on any links in text messages purporting to be from charities.
5. The fake coupon scam. This scam involves receiving a text message with an amazing offer or coupon - often for free goods or services - which requires clicking on a link to redeem it. The link will lead to a phishing website designed to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware. To avoid this scam, don't click on any links in text messages from unknown senders offering coupons or freebies. If you want coupons or deals, sign up for legitimate mailings from companies you trust or visit coupon websites directly yourself rather than clicking on links from unknown sources.
6 . The fake job offer scam. This type of SMS scam usually pops up when big companies are hiring. They’ll send out mass texts saying something like “You’ve been selected! Click here for more info on how you can start earning $1000 per week!” But when job seekers follow the instructions and click on the link, they’re taken not to an application page but rather one that asks for their credit card number “for age verification purposes” before they can proceed further. protect yourself by avoiding job offers that come via unsolicited texts and always going through the proper channels when applying for jobs. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don't get scammed!
7 . The Fake Customer Service Scam: You receive SMS saying "We regret to inform you that we were unable to process your most recent payment. To prevent service interruption, please call our customer service hotline immediately ." But when you call the number provided, you end up speaking with somebody who is trying very hard to get your credit card information so they can run up charges on it. They may even threaten o disconnect your service if you don't give them what they want. Don't fall for it! Hang up and call customer service using the number found on your bill or from the company's official website — not the one in the text message.
SMS scams are becoming more and more common as criminals find new ways to exploit people's trusting nature and willingness to believe they've won something for nothing and snag a great deal. Be vigilant and don't let yourself become a victim to prevent SMS scams, remember to follow these simple tips: if it seems too good to be true or is coming from an unsolicited source, deletes it; refrain from clicking any links included in texts frοm unfamiliar senders to avoid being taken tο malicious websites; don't provide any personal information like Social Security numbers, account numbers, user names or passwords in response tο unsolicited requests; report impersonation attempts or SMS fraud
How to spot a scam message?
Have you ever received a text message that looked like it was from a friend or family member, but something about it just didn't seem right? If so, you may have been the target of an SMS scam. These scams are becoming increasingly common, and they can be difficult to spot. Here are some tips to help you identify a scam message:
1. Check the sender's name. Does it match the name of the person you know? Or does it look like a generic name or phone number?
2. Look for grammatical errors or misspellings. Scammers often rush to send out their messages, and they may not take the time to proofread them.
3. Be wary of urgency. Does the message ask you to act immediately? Or does it threaten some kind of negative consequence if you don't respond right away?
4. Watch out for requests for personal information. A legitimate message from a friend or family member is unlikely to ask for your bank account number or Social Security number.
5. Trust your gut. If something about the message doesn't feel right, it's probably best to delete it without responding.
