The Common Sense Way to Stay Safe
The simplest and most effective defense against text and phone scams is also the easiest: just ignore them. If you don't engage with unsolicited messages, you eliminate the entire threat. Think about it - scammers can only succeed if you interact with them. By treating unknown messages and calls like background noise and simply ignoring them, you bypass all their tricks and techniques completely.
The Reality of Modern Scams
Text message and phone scams have evolved. While some scammers immediately push for gift cards or financial information, others play a longer game through a technique called "message priming."
Scammers exploit basic human psychology, particularly our natural curiosity and desire to reconnect with people from our past. When you receive that simple "Hi" or "Hello" message, they're counting on you wondering if it might be an old friend or forgotten connection trying to reach out. But here's the reality: if it really was someone from your past trying to get in touch, they would likely call and leave a voicemail, or reach out through legitimate social media channels. That random text is almost certainly the beginning of a scam attempt.
Understanding Message Priming
Ever received strange, seemingly purposeless messages? There's often a hidden agenda:
- Scammers build credibility with telecom providers by generating two-way conversations
- They establish a pattern of "normal" communication to avoid spam filters
- Numbers with successful delivery history are more valuable for future scams
- These conversations help bypass carrier-level spam detection
Common Scam Objectives
| Scam Type | Method | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Gift Card Scams | Urgency, impersonation of authority | Purchase gift cards for "emergencies" |
| Remote Access | Tech support or bank security pretense | Install software to access your computer |
| Wire Transfers | Banking emergencies, account problems | Direct access to bank accounts |
| Credential Theft | Fake login pages, security alerts | Steal account passwords |
Defensive Measures
- Enable "Filter Unknown Senders" on iPhone or equivalent on Android
- Activate "Silence Unknown Callers" to reduce spam calls
- Keep your contacts list updated with legitimate numbers
- Never click links from unknown senders
- Ignore urgent requests for immediate action
The Verification Rule
When in doubt about a message claiming to be from your bank, employer, or any service:
- Don't click any provided links
- Don't call numbers provided in the message
- Manually type known URLs or use official apps
- Call official numbers from your statements or cards
- Use established channels to verify requests
Managing Your Contacts
Take time to properly manage your contacts list:
- Save important business contacts with clear labels
- Include your bank's official numbers
- Add emergency service numbers
- Keep family and close friends' numbers updated