What happens if you open a scam text?

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.

Why am I suddenly getting so much spam texts?

Whoever is sending you a spam text message is likely trying to defraud you. Most spam text messages aren’t coming from another phone. They’re often originating from a computer and being delivered to your phone — at no cost to the sender — via an email address or an instant messaging account.

Can you get malware from a text?

Text messages are just one of the ways that criminals try to persuade people to download malware. Simply opening and reading an SMS text message is unlikely to infect your phone, but you can get a virus or malware if you download an infected attachment or click a link to a compromised website.

How do I stop fake texts?

On an Android phone, you can disable all potential spam messages from the Messages app. Tap the three-dot icon in the upper right of the app and select Settings > Spam protection and turn on the Enable spam protection switch. Your phone will now alert you if an incoming message is suspected of being spam.

Can responding to a text give you a virus?

Responding to the text message can allow malware to be installed that will silently collect personal information from your phone. You might end up with unwanted charges on your cell phone bill. Depending on your service plan, you may be charged for sending and receiving text messages, even scams.

What to do if you get a text message from a legitimate company?

Legitimate companies won’t ask for information about your account by text. If you think the message might be real, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real. Not the information in the text message. There are many ways you can filter unwanted text messages or stop them before they reach you.

How to report unwanted text messages to the FTC?

If you get an unwanted text message, there are three ways to report it: Report it on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam. Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.

What to do if you get a spam text message?

If you think the message might be real, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real. Not the information in the text message. There are many ways you can filter unwanted text messages or stop them before they reach you. Your phone may have an option to filter and block messages from unknown senders or spam.

Why do people send me fake text messages?

Scammers send fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information – things like your password, account number, or Social Security number. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers.