Can you get scammed by responding to a text?

2020-04-28

Can you get scammed by responding to a text?

If the message is clearly a scam or an attempt to “phish” information from you, replying with “STOP” is not only ineffective, it’s an invitation to be bombarded by lots of junk messages in the future. Scammers are mimicking legitimate marketing verbiage in hopes of tricking you into responding.

How do I stop unwanted spam texts?

To block spam messages on an Android, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Messaging app and tap the three dots icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. rd.com.
  2. Tap on Settings, –> Spam Protection. rd.com.
  3. Scroll down until you find Enable Spam Protection. rd.com.
  4. Turn it on by swiping the button to the right. rd.com.

What happens if you open a spam text?

Clicking on a link in a spam text message could install malware that can collect information from your phone. It can take you to spoof sites that look real but are designed to steal your information. Malware can also slow down your cell phone’s performance by taking up space on your phone’s memory.

Can viruses be sent through text messages?

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.

Can someone steal your info by texting?

En español | The word “smishing” comes from combining “SMS” — for short message service, the technology behind texting — with “phishing,” the practice of stealing personal or financial information through deceptive communications, primarily emails.

How can I identify a text sender?

An SMS Sender ID or SMS Customer ID (or simply put sender name) is the displayed value of who sent the message on your handset with a registered mobile number. For example, the Sender ID of your friend is their phone number. It can also be a shortcode, such as 12302.

What happens if I click a link in a phishing text?

Attackers sometimes masquerade as a legitimate company to entice their target. Once you click on the seemingly genuine link, you’ll be redirected to a malicious website prompting you to use your credentials. Clicking on a phishing link may also install malware into your device to monitor and steal your data.

Can opening a text message infect your phone?

Infected text messages sometimes steal the subject line from a message you’ve received from a friend, which of course increases the likelihood of your opening it — but opening the message isn’t enough to get infected.