What happens if you open a text from a scammer?

Clicking on a phishing link or opening an attachment in one of these messages may install malware, like viruses, spyware or ransomware, on your device. This is all done behind the scenes, so it is undetectable to the average user.

How can you tell if someone is scamming you through text?

How To Spot a Text Scam

11-Digit Numbers. In most instances, text messages from legitimate businesses are actually sent from the business telephone number and do not come from unidentified mobile numbers.
“Winning” Raffle Prizes.
Fake Refunds.
Problems With Relatives.
Government Messages.

What happens if you text a spam number?

Clicking on a link in a spam text message could install malware that can collect information from your phone. It can also lead to unwanted charges on your cell phone bill. Your wireless carrier may charge you for receiving a text message, regardless of whether you requested it.

Can someone steal your information through a text?

Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting victims through SMS text message scams known as “smishing.” Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting victims through a text message scam called “smishing” that can infect your smartphone and let thieves steal your personal information.

Can a phone be hacked by text?

One way that hackers are able to access your phone is to get you to click on infected links in text messages and emails. However, that’s not always necessary. The very sophisticated hackers can use zero-click hacks that don’t require you to do anything to activate the attack.

How can you tell if a bank text is legit?

A good way to assess if a bank text is legitimate is to learn what kind of text messages your bank sends out. Bank of America, for example, will send texts from short code numbers for alerts but will never ask customers for personal or financial information in a text message.

How do I report an impersonated text message?

There are a few ways to do this: Copy the message and text it to 7726 (SPAM). Long press the message and the option to copy it will pop up. Then create a new message and paste. Notify the business or brand the text scam is impersonating.

What does it mean when a text message says you won?

Common scam text messages will say you’ve won a contest, a prize or free money. And an increasingly popular text scam will say there’s a delivery issue with a package. But did you recently enter a contest?