Fake text messages are fraudulently created or altered messages sent by unknown sources to try and scam users into providing their personal information. Fake text messages are used for various malicious activities such as identity theft, phishing scams, financial fraud, or even attempts to spread malware. Although SMS marketing can be effective for businesses, some have started using fake text messages to scam people out of their money. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently warned about the new and dangerous fake text scams known as “smishing.”
It’s estimated that over 1.5 million fake text attempts are made daily in the United States. Since scammers randomly send messages to any phone number they can find, their potential audience is vast. According to Gartner, nearly all text messages are read and responded to within minutes. It makes texting a much more attractive avenue for hackers than emailing, which has proven time and time again to have extremely low response rates. Knowing the steps to stop fake text messages from constantly bombarding your phone.
Here are the five steps to stop receiving fake text messages once and for all.
1. Put the Sender’s Number on Block List
The number one step to stop receiving fake and fraudulent text messages is to put the sender’s number on a block list. Most mobile devices have blocking features built-in. It will prevent any more fake messages from being sent to you – and it also helps alert your carrier that the number is being used for malicious purposes.
The primary downside to this strategy is that spammers will generally mask or switch phone numbers. So, even if you block the number, chances are you’ll still receive messages from the same spammer using a separate number.
Putting numbers on a block list is easy, but it has different methods depending on your device. To block a phone number on your iPhone, open the text message you received from them. Tap the phone number at the top of your screen and press the Info button. At the next screen, choose Block this Caller and then tap Block Contact to confirm.
The steps to block a number on Android vary depending on your phone and OS version. To block a number: open the text, tap the three-dot icon in the upper right, select Block number (or select Details and then tap Block & report spam).
2. Please Inform Your Carrier
Informing your carrier about the fake text you receive is another crucial step that will help stop scammers from sending more fake texts in the future. Most carriers have built-in features that let you report unsolicited texts.
For example, AT&T and T-Mobile have a Report Spam & Scams feature in their messaging apps; Verizon has a unique Report Spam option on its site that lets you enter the sender’s phone number.
This process is different depending on what kind of phone you have. If you have an iPhone, press down on the message and tap “More.” Please select the right arrow to forward it as a new text. However, long-press down on the message if you have an Android phone. Tap the three-dot icon near the top and hit “Forward.”
Then, send the message to 7726 (SPAM). AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile utilize the provided number to block future fake messages.
By reporting fake text messages, you are helping carriers weed out malicious senders and prevent them from continuing to spread false information.
3. Contact the Federal Trade Commission and Lodge a Complaint
If you are the victim of a fake text scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and lodge a complaint. The FTC is one of the primary organizations in charge of consumer protection in the United States. When enough people complain about a particular issue, they can investigate the matter further and take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening again.
The Federal Trade Commission has a website dedicated to reporting scams. You can visit the site, fill out a form with details about the incident, and submit it.
4. Get a Spam Text Blocker Now
Spam text blockers are essential phone apps that stop spam messages from reaching your device in the first place. While they aren’t 100% foolproof, they can help reduce the number of unwanted messages you receive. Some popular spam text blockers work across multiple phone platforms, such as Truecaller and KillerText. You can find these apps in your device’s app store or online.
Spam text blockers work differently depending on whether you have an Android or iOS device. You can usually blacklist numbers, whitelist numbers, and create profiles to block specific messages. It also uses more complex algorithms to detect spam texts and stop them before they get to your inbox.
Android text blockers typically use blacklisting, whitelisting, and advanced algorithms to detect and block spam texts. Many also have a built-in feature that lets users report suspicious numbers to the database.
On iOS devices, you can integrate text blockers with the call-blocking feature of the operating system. It will allow your device to automatically detect and block incoming calls or messages from known spam numbers.
Once installed, they will allow you to set up filters and block numbers from sending further messages to your phone. It is an easy and effective way to stop spammers from bothering you.
5. Read the Fine Print Before Submitting a Form
Another essential tip when avoiding fake text messages is always read any fine print before submitting forms online. Many scammers will create fake websites with small prints at the bottom, which you may overlook. The small print might state that you automatically subscribe to their services by submitting a form or clicking on a link. If something seems suspicious when entering personal information online, read carefully and observe the grammar, spelling, and overall design of the web page before performing any action.
Fake text messages are often hurriedly composed with poor grammar and spelling mistakes. It is a good idea to look closely at the text before clicking on any links or downloading any software. If something seems wrong, it’s best to ignore the message altogether.
What is Fake Text Messages?
Fake text messages are sent with false or misleading information to scam people into giving up personal information, money, or other access. Fake text messages may be sent from spoofed numbers and use social engineering tactics to convince recipients to provide sensitive data. The goal of fake text messages is typically to collect financial information or gain access to a person’s computer or device.
Most fake messages come from online resources. Thus, it is cheap and easy for scammers to send. Spammers rely on numbers – they send out lots of messages, often to randomly chosen or generated phone numbers, and only need a few responses to make their efforts worthwhile.
The only thing these scams have in common is that the sender wants you to give them money or personal information without you knowing. If a bank or any other reputable company needs sensitive information from you, they will never ask for it over text.
Some spam texts aim to install malware or other dangerous programs on your cell phone. Often, these require you to click a link or download an attachment for the virus to spread to your device. With all of the potential dangers, you must learn how to identify fake messages.
What are examples of Fake Text Messages?
Fake text messages typically try to get the recipient to share personal data or click on a link. They often contain urgent language and make frightening threats such as account closure if you don’t respond immediately. Listed below are some of the most common examples of fake text messages.
Fake Delivery Notification Texts
Due to the rise of eCommerce and online shopping, scammers have started using courier companies to send fake text messages to their potential victims. Earlier this year, package delivery scams accounted for more than a quarter of all spam texts. These scammers pose as Amazon, FedEx, or USPS via text and try to get personal information from users about their packages or order.
Examples: Hi [Customer Name], your FEDEX package with tracking number [Tracking No.] is on hold. Please set your delivery preference at this [Link].
Suspicious Log-In Attempt Fake Message
When you receive an SMS notification about a potential hacker trying to log into one of your accounts, it’s only natural to want to act fast. However, scammers will take advantage of your fear of being hacked.
Be wary of fake text messages that get you to click on a link and “update” your password. Frequently, these scammers are trying to direct you to a phishing site to steal your old password and lock you out of your account.
Example: Hi, we noticed suspicious log-in activity on your account. Please secure your account by changing your password at this Link:
Fake Lottery, Contest, and Giveaway Text
Wouldn’t it be amazing to get a text message saying you won something? Unfortunately, scammers know that all too well, and they use the promise of a free prize to lure people in. So next time you see a text like this, exercise caution before clicking on any links.
Many scams will pose as familiar companies, such as Walmart or Amazon. They’ll send a text saying that you were picked randomly due to recent shopping activity or your IP address.
Example: Congrats! Your mobile number has won a $500 Walmart gift card. Click here to claim your prize!
Family Emergency Fake Text Message
Family emergency scams take advantage of your generosity and willingness to help family members in need. Scammers will usually pose as family members and claim to need financial help. The fake text message may say that the relative is in another country and stuck there because of medical bills, fines, or other emergencies.
Example: Hi, It’s me! I’m in trouble in London and desperately need money for my hospital fees. Please wire me $500 as soon as possible. Thank you!
Fake Fraud Alert Text from Banks
Some banks are now sending fraud alerts via text message. Unfortunately, scammers will also use this tactic to get your personal information and steal from you.
Scammers send a fake text message about fraudulent activity on your account and threaten to close it unless you “verify” the account with a link or phone number. They’ll also use the bank’s real logo and language to make it seem more legitimate.
Example: Hi, our records show that your credit card has been used in a fraudulent transaction. Please verify your identity at this Link to prevent further activity on your account.
Why Do I Get Fake Text Messages?
There are many ways spammers get hold of your cell phone number to send fake text and spam messages. It’s important to note that spammers often use lists of stolen phone numbers to send messages, so even if you’ve never given out your number, scammers may still have it.
Other standard methods include buying or stealing large databases of phone numbers from other companies or websites, guessing possible combinations with automated systems, and using publicly available information.
Social media sites use your data to sell advertisements. Well-known social networking platforms follow your online behavior and give the information to marketers. If you post your phone number on social media, it likely exists in several marketing databases.
If you’ve ever called a number with 800, 888, or 900 prefixes in the United States, then you may have had your cell phone number collected by an Automatic Number Identification (ANI) system. In addition to identifying and storing your number, the ANI system can also match it with other digital data associated with you.
There are several reasons people might input their phone numbers to unknown sources online, such as filling out forms or entering competitions. Giving your cellphone number out carelessly could lead to some significant issues if you’re not careful.
In addition, if you have ever responded to a spam text message- even if it was by mistake- your phone number probably was noted as valid and could have been sold to other spammers. As a result, you now have an increased chance of getting more junk messages and SMS spam.
Is it a good idea to use Fake Text Messages as SMS Marketing?
No. Fake texts are generally seen as deceiving and unethical, and you risk losing customers. Legitimate SMS marketing companies comply with regulations and customer privacy laws to ensure that customers feel safe and respected when receiving messages. In addition, you can tailor your text messages for each customer, making the message more personalized and engaging. It is much better to use legitimate SMS marketing than fake text messages, as it will help build trust and confidence in your business.
In addition, most countries have laws prohibiting false or misleading advertising, such as claiming that something is free when it is not. Therefore, if you use fake text messages as part of your SMS marketing campaign, you could be subject to fines and other penalties. Read more about What is SMS Marketing Guide and Benefits to understand how it can benefit your business.
What is a Fake Blocked Text Message?
A fake blocked text message is one method of spoofing or faking the origin of a text message. It is done by sending messages from a blocked number that is not traceable to the sender. Fake blocked text messages can contain malicious links and other dangerous content that can infect your device or steal personal information.