Scammers and telemarketers are trying to get your attention to sell something or steal your money or identity. While people prefer text messages to calls as they fear phone scams, scammers have started using text messages as their new tool.
As per 2022 statistics, an average person in the US gets 41 spam messages each month. The total loss from scam texts was estimated to be $10 billion in 2021, with an increasing trend.
How can you tell if a text message is a scam? How can you protect yourself from becoming the victim of one of these schemes? Read on for tips on how to identify and avoid text message scams.
How to Identify Text Messages That Are Likely Scams
Scammers play on the victim's emotions and try to extract money or information before the victim can realize it. The common thing across all text messages would be the "urgency."
Here are some text messages that are mostly scams. Exercise extreme caution when dealing with such messages.
1. Texts From Your Own Number
Scammers use online tools to manipulate phone networks and make it appear like a message was sent from your own number. Such messages usually contain a link and ask you to click on it. Anytime you see messages from your own number, contact your service provider immediately for assistance.
2. Texts From an Unusually Long Number
You can conclude that a message is fake when you receive it from an unusually long number. These numbers are usually not associated with any phone company and can be used to disguise the sender's identity. These messages may also contain links or attachments that could contain malicious software.
3. Texts With Strange Urgency
Scammers employ strategies to get you to act quickly by making false claims about limited-time offers or threats about account suspensions. Be wary of messages with words like "urgent" or "immediate," as these can be signs of a scam.
4. Text Asking for Personal Information
Always be suspicious of fake texts disguised as legitimate messages from banks or financial institutions asking for personal information. Never reveal personal information to anyone over the phone or via messages.
5. Texts That Contain Suspicious Links
Links in text messages may contain malicious software and can be very dangerous. Be sure to hover over the link with your mouse and look at the URL before clicking on it. If the URL and the link do not match, the link doesn't look legitimate, or you don't recognize the website, then do not click on it.
6. Texts on Winning Random Freebies, Lotteries, and Giveaways
Be cautious of text messages claiming you have won a random freebie, lottery, or giveaway. Scammers often use these to try and get you to enter your personal information so they can steal your identity or access your bank account.
7. Family Member in Crisis
Scammers will appeal to the victim's emotions, create artificial urgency, and not give the victim time to think. For example, the victim's loved one is in an accident and needs money for hospitalization. Verify the situation before sending any funds if you receive a message like this.
8. Generic Text Messages
Generic text messages, such as those offering special discounts or promotions, are sent out by scammers in bulk. They hope you will click the link to download malicious software onto your device, which will help them steal your information.
9. Grammatical and Spelling Mistakes
Be wary of text messages containing many grammatical and spelling mistakes. This could indicate that the message was sent by a scammer who is not native to your language. Some scammers also use grammar errors that victims cannot spot easily, to evade security protocols implemented for consumer protection.
Block Unwanted Texts on iPhones With the Community Phone Spam Blocker
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The Community Phone FREE Spam Blocker for iPhones
The Community Phone spam-blocker app for iPhones is the best choice if you want to block spam calls and texts. You can download this FREE app from the Apple store to block spam calls and text messages before your phone rings or chimes to alert you. Community Phone will send notifications to keep you updated about the numbers and texts it blocked for you.
The Safelist
You can pre-approve a list of numbers you want to receive calls and texts from. Community Phone will allow calls and texts from those numbers to reach your phone and block all others.
The Blocklist
You can also add a spam number to the Community Phone blocklist to update their ever-growing database of spam numbers. This action can help protect you and other Community Phone members from unwanted calls and texts from that number.
What Makes Community Phone the Best Spam Call Blocker?
Here are some reasons that make Community Phone the best spam call blocker
- Excellent track record: The Community Phone robocall blocker has successfully protected individuals and businesses from spam calls. Read customer testimonies on Trustpilot to learn about the effectiveness and efficiency of the service.****
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Benefits of Choosing the Community Phone Spam Blocker
Here are some benefits of choosing the Community Phone spam-blocker services:
1. Better Security
The Community Phone built-in spam blocker for iPhones scans, flags, and blocks spam calls or texts before your phone rings, protecting you from scams and fraud.
2. Great Advantage for Seniors
The Safelist can ensure seniors are not troubled by scammers calling from unknown or unidentified numbers. The person who controls the Community Phone user account can pre-approve numbers from which the senior would like to receive calls. The spam blocker service will only allow calls from pre-approved numbers and block all other calls.
3. Take Control of Your Protection
You can update the Safelist or the Allowed list at any time to add or delete numbers. This feature prevents you from engaging scammers and ensures peace and protection against scams and fraud.
4. Effective Where the "Do Not Call" List Fails
The Do Not Call list is not effective against scammers. To prevent scam calls and to protect yourself from fraud, sign up for the Community Phone spam-blocker services for your landline or download their app for iPhone now.
FAQs
What is the best free scam call blocker for the iPhone?
Community Phone's spam-blocking app on the Apple store is the best free scam call blocker for your iPhone. It blocks unwanted calls before your phone can ring, protecting you from scams and fraud.
How do you know if a text message is legit?
A text message is legit if it does not ask you to click a link or share your details. It should only inform you of something or ask you to reach out to the concerned place/person for assistance. If you receive a message containing typos, grammar errors, suspicious links, or asks for personal information, delete the message, block the sender and report them immediately.
Conclusion
By being aware of these common scams, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. If you suspect a text message is a scam, delete it immediately without clicking on any link or responding.
The best solution to stop spam is to get the Community Phone spam-blocker app for iPhones. Enjoy peace and protection from scammers and fraud with the robust spam blocker app that blocks unwanted calls and messages before it reaches you. Talk to their specialist today to learn more!