Are you a fervent
mobile phone enthusiast, using SMS to keep in contact with friends and family?
Be careful - scammers love texting too. You have to be watchful with texts, especially if
you are not sure who sent them. They could be scams intended to steal your
money or your information. Here are five common text traps you should look out
for:
1. Buyer
and Sellers ‘Beware’: A
business transaction with a total stranger is always risky. This is especially
true if a party wants to conduct all business over text, please insist on
talking over the phone. If you will be meeting in person, insist on cash (and
have a friend with you). If possible meet outside of a local police station.
2. The Bank
Hoax
Your
bank allegedly texts you with a problem that desperately needs to be solved.
You will lose all of your money if you do not immediately call the provided 800
number or click the link in the text. Then you have to provide all of your
account information. Your account will be fixed alright, but not to your
benefit. Contact your bank, but not via the means in the text.
3. The Dumb
Samaritan: I am
all for giving money to those in need, but only if the money actually goes to
the needy. If you get a text asking for help on behalf of others, delete
it—even if it appears to come from a legitimate charity. Then go to that
legitimate charity’s website and make your donation there.
4. Free
Money: Everyone
dreams about acquiring a fortune, and scammers can easily use those dreams
against you. If a stranger’s text offers you wealth as soon as you pay a small
fee or give them your bank number, just tap delete.
5. Fantasising the Naive: If you are looking for love
on dating sites, be careful of whoever seems interested. When you are feeling
lonely, a skilled con artist can expertly play on your emotions, convincing you
to help them financially, or giving them personal information they could turn
into profits.
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