Protect Your Information: How to Identify a Fake Text Message

Fake messages are being sent now more than ever before – and scammers are getting more creative with sending fake messages. Fake text messages are sent from a phone number that is not the real number of the person or organization who is sending the message. These types of messages can be used for various purposes, including phishing scams, spamming, and spreading misinformation. It is important to know how to identify a fake number in order to protect yourself from these types of scams. The worst that can happen is to have confidential information stolen. 

Fake phone calls and text messages are on the rise and it can happen to anyone (even if we know to lookout for them). It’s so common that 74% of organizations across America have been victim to a phishing text scam. But what do fake text messages look like?

Luckily for you, fake messages have common traits that you can easily spot out. At Text My Main Number, we’ve provided a few ways on how you can identify a fake text message and what to do if you fall victim to a phishing scam. 

6 Tips on How to Identify a Fake Text Message

Below are a few tips on how to identify a fake text message:

1. Check the sender’s phone number: One way to identify fake text messages is to check the phone number of the phone call. A simple Google search should do the trick! If the number does not match the number of the person or organization that the message claims to be from, it is likely a fake text.

• Pro-tip: Extremely long numbers are often a mask for phishing scams. If you receive a text or phone call from a number that is more than 10-digits, it’s likely that it’s a fake number. 

2. Verify the information: If you receive a text message that contains information that you are unsure about, verify the information before acting on it. For example, a bank may message you and tell you to change your password because someone else has logged into your account. Make sure to check your browser history and verify the information sent. 
3. Look for unusual or suspicious language: Fake text messages often contain unusual or suspicious language, such as misspellings, poor grammar, or strange formatting. Be on the lookout for these red flags.
4. Be cautious of links and attachments: Fake text messages may contain links or attachments that can be used to install malware on your device or to steal your personal information. Do not click on any links or download any attachments unless you are sure they are safe.
5. Use a reverse phone lookup tool: If you are unsure about the authenticity of a phone number, you can use a reverse phone lookup tool to try and find out more information about the number. You can also lookup the organization, the phone number and get into direct contact with the company. These tools allow you to enter a phone number and see if it is associated with a legitimate person or organization.
6. Be wary of texts asking for personal information: Fake text messages may try to trick you into revealing personal information. This could include your bank account number or social security number. Be wary of any text messages that ask for this type of information and never reveal personal information in response to a text message.

• Pro-tip: Banks, realtors and accountants will never ask for personal banking information over text. If there’s a refund that needs to be made or some information that must be shared that involves your personal information, banks will often perform these in personal to ensure confidentiality and privacy.

What to Do When You Receive a Fake Text Message

1. Read the message carefully. 

You don’t want to act too quick when it comes to phishing scams. Reading it through a few times will indicate that it is a phishing scam. Additionally, perform background checks on the call number, the organization and more before you act. This is especially the case, if the text messages make you second guess the information. 

2. Never click on any links. 

Any of these links embedded in a scamming text message can result in the installation of malware on your device. It’s best to use the steps above on how to identify a fake text and avoid clicking on any links or responding to these messages. There are a few other features you can use to prevent fake text messages: 

• Use antivirus software and keep it up to date. Make sure you have antivirus software installed on your device and keep it up to date to help protect against malware.
• Use two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires you to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. This can help protect against phishing attacks and other forms of online fraud.

3. Delete the Message or Mark it as Spam

To prevent texting or engaging with the text message, simply delete it from your text messages. It helps prevent any mistake with texting someone else from your contact list. 

4. Report the Spam

The next most important step is to let your cell phone provider or your text messaging platform of the phishing scam. Your carrier can block the number from messaging you and continuing messaging other people. 

What to Do If You Respond to a Fake Text Message

If you have responded to a phishing scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself:

1. Contact your bank or financial institution: If you have revealed any financial information, such as your bank account number or credit card number, contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible. They may be able to help you protect your accounts and prevent any unauthorized transactions.
2. Change any passwords that you may have revealed: If you have revealed any passwords or login credentials in response to a phishing scam, change these immediately. This will help prevent the scammers from accessing your accounts.
3. Contact the relevant authorities: If you have fallen victim to a phishing scam, it is important to report it to the relevant authorities. In the United States, you can report phishing scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Knowing how to identify a fake text message is important to protect your confidential information. By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from fake text messages and fake numbers. It is important to be cautious when it comes to text messages, especially if you are not familiar with the sender or if the message seems unusual or suspicious.