How to Spot Scam Texts on Your Smartphone - Scam Slam Audio by fairfaxcounty published on 2022-06-29T14:04:26Z Hi, I’m Martin Bailey a member of the Northern Virginia AARP Fraud Watch Network, the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol and Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Task Force. Our motto is that the best way to avoid a scam is to know what’s going around. And what’s going around right now are Scam Texts on Your Smartphone. The following information is provided by the AARP Fraud Watch Network. Today scammers bombard our mobile phones 24/7. The cybercriminals to blame for these illicit texts pretend to be from government agencies, legitimate businesses and even our financial institutions. What are some ways that we can stay safe? 1. Do not respond to suspicious text messages. Don't even reply by messaging “STOP” or “NO." 2. Do not click on hyperlinks or attachments in suspect messages. 3. Take steps to filter unwanted messages or block them before they reach you. According to the Federal Trade Commission, $86 million was reported lost in 2020 from frauds originating in scam texts. In 5 percent of overall cases, victims said they lost money; their median loss was $800. Cybercriminals go to great lengths to fool us. They masquerade as government agencies, legitimate businesses and some even personalize texts, addressing you by name to evoke an air of authenticity. The crooks play mind games, too: They fire off tempting texts about supposed opportunities for big money. They lie by saying you are owed a refund. Or they purport to be a package delivery worker who is eager to hand off your parcel and asks that you click a link to confirm when you'll be home. Criminals also capitalize on the fear factor, asserting in texts that you could lose money, have been accused of a crime, or will be mortified when embarrassing details about your life are exposed. So here's the bottom line: If you have a smartphone, be a smart consumer. Here are some additional tips from consumer advocates on protecting yourself against scam texts. • Several mobile phone providers allow you to block a sender by forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 ("SPAM"). Check with your provider about this and other blocking options available on your phone, through your wireless provider or using a call-blocking app. • Do not respond to texts from unknown numbers or others that appear suspicious. Replying “STOP” or “NO” signals to scammers that your phone number is active, and your number could be sold to other criminals. • Keep in mind that scammers often spoof phone numbers by making it appear the texter is local or from a legitimate entity to trick you into responding. • Be extra cautious if pressured to immediately divulge information or make a payment. • Never share personal or financial information via a text, email or phone call. • If you're not sure a text is legit, contact the purported sender using a phone number you know to be legitimate. • Do not click on links or attachments in untrustworthy texts. If a friend sends you a text with a suspicious link, check with the acquaintance to determine if he or she has been hacked. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, call the Fairfax County Police Non-Emergency Line at 703-691-2131, TTY 711. You can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau at BBB Scam Tracker. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint or report a fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If the scam took place online, on your computer or via text, go to The Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center website at www.ic3.gov Finally, contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360 or aarp.org/scams with your concern. This will help them warn others. Thanks so much for listening. Take care, be safe and most of all stay healthy! Genre Scam Slam Audio