Beware of Rising Text Scams: The Digital Cockroaches of Our Lives

The Resilience and Risk of Text Scams

Text scams, similar to the resilience and repulsiveness of cockroaches, constantly invade our digital lives.

Scam Threats Rise With Summer Travel

As families embark on summer road trips, there’s a surge in scam toll and ticket text messages. On my own device, I’ve noticed an increase in texts threatening heavy fines and even jail time if not addressed.

Eliminating One Scam Only Invites Another

When I delete one scam message, another pops up in its notification. These bogus messages are the digital equivalent of a nasty insect infestation.

Scammers Adapt Like Cockroaches

Just as researchers have documented how cockroaches have evolved to become major public health pests, scammers persistently find new ways to victimize us through our mobile devices. Take note of these unsettling similarities:

Text Scams: Invincible and Destructive

Like cockroaches, text scams are notoriously hard to eliminate. The FBI has reported that cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence tools to make their text messages more believable. On the other hand, similar to how cockroaches can cause health problems, text scams can lead to financial loss and emotional distress. In the last year, consumers reported losing $470 million to text-initiated scams, a fivefold increase from 2020 according to FTC data.

Scammers Are Elusive and Adaptable

Scammers, like cockroaches, can be difficult to trace, often hiding overseas and constantly adapting their methods. They can easily change numbers and tweak their approaches. For example, the top five text scams involve fake package delivery notifications, absurd job offers, and bogus fraud alerts.

The Rise of Unpaid Tolls and Traffic Tickets Scams

Recently, state agencies have reported a rise in fake notifications about unpaid tolls or traffic tickets. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has warned its residents about a surge in these types of scams.

Protecting Yourself from Text Scams

Here’s how to safeguard yourself against these scams. First, refrain from engaging with the message. Do not click any links or call any listed numbers. Instead, conduct your own online research to verify the legitimacy of the message. If you received a scam message, report it to law enforcement, such as the FTC via reportfraud.ftc.gov and your phone service provider. You can forward the fraudulent texts to 7726 SPAM to help them block similar messages.