You may receive text messages from unknown numbers that ask a friendly question like “Are we still on for dinner?” You may want to reply to let the person know they have the wrong number. However this message was sent by a cybercriminal to begin to build your trust. The goal is to trick you into sending them money or your personal data. Avoid this scam with these tips:
- Don’t reply to text messages from unknown numbers.
- Delete and report the message using your phone’s “report junk” option.
- Never click on links in an unexpected message.
- Never share personal or financial information in text messages.
If you have fallen victim to a smishing scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at ic3.gov
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