Tagged: smishing Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 31, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , smishing, Tariff Rebate Check,   

    The “$2,000 Tariff Rebate Check” Text Scam Is Back 

    By Greg Collier

    If you’re getting urgent text messages claiming you’re owed a $2,000 tariff rebate check, stop right there. This isn’t free money. It’s a scam and a very familiar one.

    Idaho’s Attorney General is warning residents about a wave of fraudulent texts telling people they must act immediately or risk losing a supposed rebate check. The messages often use bold or capitalized language, include a link, and pressure recipients to respond right away.

    Sound familiar? It should.

    This scam follows the exact same playbook used during the COVID lockdowns, when scammers flooded phones with fake messages about stimulus checks, unemployment payments, and emergency relief funds.

    Different crisis. Same con.

    What’s Going On

    Scammers are sending texts claiming:

    You qualify for a $2,000 tariff rebate

    Your check will be withheld unless you respond immediately

    You must click a link or reply to “confirm” your eligibility

    The hook is current political chatter about possible rebate or dividend checks tied to tariffs. The details are vague, and that’s the point. Scammers thrive on uncertainty, not clarity.

    As Idaho officials made clear, no government agency requires a text response to receive money. Ever.

    Why This Scam Works

    This scheme succeeds for the same reasons stimulus scams worked in 2020:

    • People expect money
      When relief checks were discussed during COVID, scammers exploited that expectation. Today, they’re doing the same with tariff and dividend talk.
    • Details are unclear on purpose
      If a real program doesn’t exist yet or hasn’t been finalized, scammers can fill in the gaps with lies.
    • Urgency short-circuits logic
      “Act now or lose your money” is designed to keep people from verifying anything.
    • Texts feel informal and personal
      People are used to banks, stores, and delivery services texting them, so scammers exploit that comfort.

    Red Flags

    According to consumer protection officials, these warning signs mean you’re dealing with a scam:

    • Government agencies do not text you offering money or rebates
    • Any message saying you must respond to receive payment is fraudulent
    • Urgent deadlines are a major red flag
    • Links sent via text claiming to unlock government funds are never legitimate
    • Threats that your money will be “withheld” if you don’t act immediately

    If it feels rushed, it’s probably rigged.

    This Isn’t Just an Idaho Problem

    While Idaho officials issued the warning, this scam can and likely will appear nationwide.

    During COVID, fake stimulus scams spread from state to state within days. The same thing is happening now. Once scammers find a message that works, they reuse it everywhere.

    Different state. Same script.

    If you’re seeing these texts outside Idaho, don’t assume it’s a local program you just haven’t heard about yet. That uncertainty is exactly what scammers are counting on.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    • Do not click the link
    • Do not reply
    • Delete the message
    • Verify any claim by contacting the agency directly using official contact information
    • Report scam texts to your state’s consumer protection office or attorney general

    If money is real, it will come through official channels and not a rushed text message.

    Final Thoughts

    The “$2,000 tariff rebate” text scam is just the latest remix of an old fraud strategy.

    We saw it with stimulus checks.
    We saw it with unemployment benefits.
    We saw it with disaster relief.

    Anytime there’s talk of government money, scammers rush in first.

    Remember the rule that hasn’t changed: the government doesn’t text you free money; scammers do.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , smishing,   

    Job Offer Text Scams Are Back, and They’re Preying on Hope 

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers love one thing more than anything else: hope.

    And right now, there’s plenty of it to exploit.

    Millions of people are searching for better pay, flexible work, or a way out of a bad situation. That makes job seekers a perennial target, and once again, scammers are sliding straight into people’s phones with fake job offer text messages.

    If you’ve recently received a random text claiming to offer a cushy job from a major company you never applied to, you’re not lucky.

    You’re being sized up.

    The Hook: A Text Message Out of Nowhere

    According to warnings from the Federal Trade Commission, text-based job scams are surging. The latest version is deceptively simple:

    You get a text.
    Out of the blue.
    No application.
    No interview.
    No context.

    The message claims to be from:

    • A recruiter connected to a major job platform
    • Or a well-known brand with “dream job” energy

    Names like Netflix, Apple, or Spotify are common bait.

    The pitch sounds outstanding.

    • Remote work
    • Minimal effort
    • Extremely high pay
    • Flexible hours

    And somehow… they “found your number.”

    How the Scam Works

    Here’s the typical playbook, step by step:

    1. Unsolicited text arrives
      No prior contact. No résumé submission. No memory of applying.
    2. The job sounds absurdly easy
      Reviewing products for an hour a day.
      Listening to music for money.
      Testing apps from your couch. One documented scam was offering up to $400 a day for “remote product testing.”
      Another scam promised pay just for listening to Spotify tracks. None of it is real.
    3. You’re instantly “hired”
      Everyone gets the job. No interview required.
    4. They ask for sensitive information
      Bank details.
      Social Security number.
      Copies of IDs. Occasionally they even promise an advance paycheck, which conveniently requires your banking info first.
    5. The real theft begins
      Identity theft.
      Account takeovers.
      Drained bank balances. Or malware quietly installed on your device.

    What They’re Really After

    These scams aren’t about employment.

    They’re phishing operations.

    Once you engage, scammers push you into:

    • A fake application portal
    • A professional-looking email
    • Or an external messaging app like WhatsApp or iMessage

    That’s where they harvest the data they need to impersonate you, access your finances, or sell your information onward.

    Red Flags

    Some warning signs are old-school but still effective:

    • Typos or awkward wording
    • “Act now!” pressure
    • Links that almost match real companies (think Inedeed instead of Indeed)

    But job-text scams have some specific tells you should watch for:

    • You never applied for the job
    • The pay is wildly high for minimal work
    • The description is vague or suspiciously simple
    • You’re added to a group text where others hype the job
    • You’re told to continue the conversation on WhatsApp
    • The number has a foreign country code (+91, +63, etc.)
    • The recruiter uses a Gmail or Yahoo address
    • Googling the recruiter turns up nothing or scam warnings
    • You’re asked for personal info before any interview
    • You’re hired immediately with zero screening

    Legitimate employers don’t operate like this.

    Scammers do.

    “But Don’t Employers Text Now?”

    This is where confusion works in scammers’ favor.

    Yes, employers can text you.

    But there’s a huge difference between:

    • An employer you applied to
    • And a random recruiter texting you out of thin air

    Real companies:

    • Don’t hire via cold text
    • Don’t skip interviews
    • Don’t ask for banking info upfront

    If you didn’t initiate contact, skepticism is your best defense.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    Simple rules:

    • Do not reply
    • Do not click links
    • Do not provide information

    Instead:

    • Block the number
    • Mark it as spam
    • Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM)
    • Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

    Every report helps improve spam detection for the next potential victim.

    Final Thoughts

    Job scams don’t disappear when the economy improves.

    They adapt.

    As long as people are looking for work, or even just better work, scammers will keep dangling fake opportunities designed to exploit optimism, stress, and urgency.

    If a job offer arrives by text, without an application, interview, or context, it isn’t a blessing.

    It’s bait.

    And the safest response is no response at all.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 15, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , smishing, ,   

    When “Hollywood” Texts You Out of Nowhere 

    By Greg Collier

    You’re minding your business, and your phone buzzes.

    “Hey! I’m a talent scout. Are you available tomorrow for a virtual open call for Ted Lasso?”

    And for half a second, your brain does the whole wait… is this my moment?

    That’s the hook.

    According to an FTC consumer alert, this “virtual casting call” text is showing up as a new-ish phishing/sales-scam hybrid: unsolicited message → fake audition → pressure tactics → you paying money or handing over bank info.

    What’s going on

    The script is pretty consistent:

    1. You get an unexpected text from a supposed “talent scout” or casting person, often name-dropping big, recognizable titles (the FTC uses examples like “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Ted Lasso”).
    2. They ask if you’re available immediately (“tomorrow” is a favorite) for a “virtual open call” you never signed up for.
    3. If you respond, you wind up in a video “audition” that’s actually a sales pitch for junk: overpriced/bogus headshots, fake acting classes, “portfolio packages,” etc.
    4. The “plot twist” is always the same: you must pay something first or provide bank/payment information “to secure your spot.”

    Red flags

    If you see any of these, treat it like you just spotted the boom mic in frame:

    • Unsolicited contact (especially a text) offering a “casting call” you didn’t pursue.
    • Artificial urgency: “tomorrow,” “last chance,” “limited slots,” “secure your spot.”
    • Money before anything else: fees for headshots, “test shoots,” registration, background checks, “membership,” or “booking deposits.”
    • Bank info talk early: anything nudging you toward routing/account numbers, debit card details, or payment links before there’s a legitimate agreement.
    • A “virtual audition” that turns into sales pressure, not casting.

    How to protect yourself

    • Don’t respond. Not “stop,” not “who is this,” not anything. Engagement tells them your number is live.
    • Research the names. Search the “casting call” or the “casting director” name plus words like scam / review / complaint.
    • Never pay to get paid. Legitimate agencies get paid from the work—after the client pays—rather than charging you to “unlock” a job.
    • Report the text. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) or use your phone’s “report junk” feature, then delete it.
    • Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

    Quick Tip: If a legitimate opportunity shows up, it can survive verification. A real casting process won’t collapse because you asked for a real company email, a verifiable listing, or time to confirm details. A scam can’t survive daylight. That’s why it lives in surprise texts, urgency, and payment demands.

    Final Thoughts

    If “Hollywood” finds you via a random text and wants money or bank info before you can even “audition,” you’re not being discovered.

    You’re being harvested.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 4, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: package delay, , , smishing,   

    Holiday Package Delay Text Scam: The Grift That Hits Before the Gifts 

    Holiday Package Delay Text Scam: The Grift That Hits Before the Gifts

    By Greg Collier

    With more than two billion packages moving across the country this holiday season, scammers aren’t just watching—they’re waiting. And they know exactly how to strike.

    As orders flood in from Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, millions of people are tracking shipments, checking updates, and anticipating deliveries. Scammers see this as the perfect moment to slip into your text messages with one simple line:

    “Your package is delayed. Click here.”

    But not all of these alerts are real.

    Authorities are warning about a surge in fake package-delay text messages, many traced to international numbers and fraudulent delivery sites designed to harvest your personal information, payment data, or login credentials. These schemes spike every December—and they’re getting more convincing.

    What’s Going On:

    A tracking update appears on your phone.
    Only it isn’t from UPS, USPS, or FedEx—it’s from a scammer.

    Here’s how it typically unfolds:

    • A scammer blasts thousands of texts to random numbers, banking on the fact that nearly everyone has at least one package on the way.
    • The text claims a delivery issue—“delayed,” “on hold,” or “needs address verification.”
    • The message contains a link to a counterfeit tracking page that looks legitimate at first glance.
    • The site asks for personal data, account logins, or “redelivery fees” as low as $1–$3.
    • Once victims enter their information, scammers move quickly—stealing credentials, draining accounts, or selling the data on criminal marketplaces.
    • Many of these texts originate from numbers beginning with +63, the country code for the Philippines.

    The entire scam thrives on one thing: your expectation that a package is actually on its way.

    Why It Works:

    • Perfect timing: Holiday shopping creates a flood of real delivery alerts. Fake ones blend in effortlessly.
    • High volume: With billions of shipments, scammers don’t need to know what you ordered—just that you probably ordered something.
    • Urgency: “Delivery failed” messages spark instant panic. People act first, verify later.
    • Convincing design: Fake tracking pages mimic real carrier sites with logos, colors, and order-status bars.
    • Low-stakes requests: Small redelivery fees or simple login prompts seem harmless—until your account is compromised.
    • Overwhelmed consumers: The holidays are chaotic. Scammers rely on distraction.

    Red Flags:

    • Text messages from numbers starting with +63 or unfamiliar area codes.
    • Messages that never mention what item is delayed—just a generic warning.
    • Links that use odd domains or slight misspellings of delivery companies.
    • Requests to “update your address,” “verify payment,” or “reschedule delivery.”
    • Alerts arriving at strange hours (midnight, early morning).
    • No corresponding order or tracking email in your inbox.
    • Warnings with spelling mistakes, formatting issues, or robotic phrasing.
    • Being asked to pay a “redelivery fee” for a package you never missed.

    If something feels off, it probably is.

    Quick Tip: Before clicking anything, check your original confirmation email from the retailer.
    If the order is real, the tracking link inside that email will show the accurate status—no mystery text message required.

    What You Can Do:

    • Rely on official sources. Use your retailer’s website or carrier tracking page—never unsolicited texts.
    • Keep your confirmation emails organized. They contain the legitimate tracking links scammers want you to forget.
    • Never pay redelivery fees through text. Major carriers do not operate like this.
    • Type the URL manually. If you want to check a status, go directly to USPS.com, UPS.com, or FedEx.com.
    • Block and delete suspicious numbers. Don’t engage.
    • Warn others. Many people fall for these scams simply because they’ve never heard of them.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    • Contact your bank if you entered payment information.
    • Change passwords linked to any compromised accounts.
    • Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
    • Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
    • Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your carrier.
    • Keep screenshots, URLs, and any payment receipts for investigation.

    Act quickly—scammers move fast.

    Final Thoughts:

    Scammers don’t need to know what you bought—they just need you to be expecting something. In a season defined by nonstop deliveries, fake “package delay” alerts are an easy weapon. But they only work if you click before you think.

    A moment of caution is worth more than any holiday deal. Verify before you react. Real tracking updates come from your inbox—not from an unknown number demanding your attention.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 13, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , smishing, ,   

    Don’t Fall for ‘Unclaimed Money’ Texts 

    Don't Fall for 'Unclaimed Money' Texts

    By Greg Collier

    A growing number of people are receiving messages claiming that thousands of dollars in “relief money” are waiting to be collected. These messages often frame the offer as unclaimed state funds or leftover assistance from past government programs. That claim makes the scam particularly convincing, because many states do in fact hold unclaimed property for residents who may not even know it exists.

    The messages arrive by phone or text and direct recipients to websites designed to look like official financial portals. They typically state that a check has already been issued in the recipient’s name and is simply waiting to be claimed. By referencing unclaimed property or former relief programs, scammers create a sense of legitimacy and urgency. The promise of state-held money that might otherwise “expire” can easily tempt someone into clicking without hesitation.

    However, these websites are not connected to any government agency. Instead, they collect personal details such as addresses, phone numbers, and email accounts before redirecting to unrelated offers. That information may then be sold to third parties, added to robocall databases, or even used to apply for financial products under someone else’s name.

    This does not mean unclaimed money is always fake. Every state maintains a treasury program that holds forgotten bank balances, overpaid utility deposits, insurance refunds, or inheritance funds that were never delivered. Millions of people genuinely have money sitting in state custody without realizing it. The key difference is that real programs do not contact residents through texts or unsolicited links.

    Anyone who wants to check for legitimate unclaimed funds can do so safely through the official website managed by the National Association of State Treasurers. By entering a name and selecting a state, residents can view any records associated with their address and submit a secure claim directly through their treasury office.

    Scammers are exploiting a system that actually exists, which is what makes this tactic so effective. The safest approach is to ignore any unexpected messages offering money and verify independently using trusted state resources.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 30, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , smishing,   

    Tax Refund Text Scam Spreads Nationwide 

    Tax Refund Text Scam Spreads Nationwide

    By Greg Collier

    What began as a problem in just two states has since spread more widely, as residents across the country continue to report fraudulent text messages designed to steal financial information. State tax agencies are issuing alerts warning that these scams are evolving in both scale and sophistication, now targeting households in New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, and beyond.

    The messages often claim to come from state revenue departments and tell recipients that their refund request has been processed and approved. They then urge taxpayers to provide banking details, with some versions threatening permanent forfeiture of a refund if payment information is not submitted. Officials stress that legitimate state agencies do not request sensitive personal or financial information through unsolicited texts, emails, or phone calls.

    These fraudulent messages are structured to mimic the formal language of government communication. Some include references to tax statutes or deadlines, while others attempt to create urgency with warnings about penalties. Scammers rely on this sense of pressure to convince recipients to click links that lead to spoofed websites or to respond directly with private information. In some cases, even a simple reply can help scammers bypass basic security safeguards on some mobile devices.

    Cybersecurity experts point out that these campaigns have shifted from their earlier focus on banks and retailers to government institutions. By impersonating state tax departments, attackers exploit the authority of trusted institutions. The result is a scam that is more difficult for many taxpayers to dismiss outright.

    Tax agencies across multiple regions are advising residents to exercise caution. Suspicious messages should not be clicked or answered. Verification should be sought only through official state channels, such as tax department websites or phone lines. The broader pattern of these scams reflects the adaptability of cybercriminals and the need for continued public awareness, particularly during tax season when individuals are more likely to be anticipating legitimate communication from government offices.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 19, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , smishing   

    Lottery Winner Texts Are a Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    A new wave of fraudulent text messages has been reported in North Carolina and across the country, with scammers posing as generous lottery winners offering to share their supposed jackpot fortunes. The Federal Trade Commission warns that these messages are not legitimate and advises consumers to exercise caution when receiving such unexpected communications.

    One example circulating now claims that the recipient has been chosen at random to receive one million dollars in cash and a new car. The message explains that the selection was made by an automated system and provides a number to contact a so-called managing director with a special claimant code. When reporters attempted to follow the instructions, the call could not be completed, but the text line produced a swift response. Soon after, the sender requested detailed personal information, including name, address, marital status, occupation, age, income, and even a photograph.

    To test the claim further, reporters tried to initiate a video call, but the call went unanswered. Instead, another message arrived from a foreign number containing a picture of a duffel bag stuffed with cash. The elaborate performance only underscored the deceptive intent.

    According to the Better Business Bureau, the very nature of unsolicited text messages promising money is an immediate red flag. Experts emphasize that responding only confirms to scammers that a real person is at the other end, which encourages them to continue targeting the victim. The goal is almost always to obtain enough personal information to commit identity fraud or to manipulate the target into paying money under false pretenses.

    The Federal Trade Commission stresses the importance of deleting and reporting these texts rather than engaging. Responding can expose recipients to identity theft or malware, especially if links are clicked. Scammers are adept at creating a sense of urgency and legitimacy, but regulators urge people to verify any extraordinary claim through trusted channels rather than through the contact information provided in suspicious messages.

    This type of fraud is not rare. The FTC estimates that Americans lose tens of millions of dollars every year to prize and sweepstakes scams, with older adults among the most frequent targets. The tactics vary, but the pitch is nearly always the same. A promise of sudden wealth, accompanied by requests for personal details or money. A critical fact to keep in mind is that legitimate lottery organizations do not notify winners by text message or through social media, and they do not ask for photographs, income details, or banking information in order to release winnings.

    For anyone who has already replied to one of these messages, experts recommend taking immediate steps to protect personal security. This can include contacting your mobile carrier to block further messages, checking your credit report for unusual activity, and notifying your bank if financial details were shared. It may also be wise to change passwords associated with accounts that could be linked to the information provided. Even if no money was lost, reporting the interaction to the FTC and the BBB helps create a clearer picture of the scam’s reach and may prevent others from becoming victims.

    While these scams are persistent, their effectiveness lies in exploiting the universal hope of financial relief and good fortune. By mimicking the thrill of winning, criminals draw people into sharing information or parting with money. Recognizing the warning signs and taking quick protective measures can turn a potential loss into an important lesson. The safest response remains simple. Treat unexpected lottery offers not as opportunities, but as clear warnings to protect yourself and your information.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , smishing,   

    States Warn of Tax Refund Text Scams 

    States Warn of Tax Refund Text Scams

    By Greg Collier

    State tax agencies are once again warning residents to be cautious about fraudulent text messages designed to steal personal and financial information. Following reports of fake texts in New Jersey earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Treasury has now issued its own alert after receiving complaints of similar activity.

    In New Jersey, scammers have been sending messages that claim to come from the Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation. The texts state that a refund request has been processed and approved but warn that if payment details are not submitted by a specified deadline, the refund will be permanently forfeited under the New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act. The Division of Taxation has confirmed that these messages are not legitimate and has explained that text communication is used only in limited circumstances when requested through its phone system. Officials emphasize that residents should avoid clicking links or replying to such texts, since doing so can lead to spoofed websites that mimic official branding and request sensitive financial details. Replying with a single character such as “Y” can also be an attempt by scammers to bypass cell phone security safeguards.

    The Michigan Department of Treasury has reported nearly identical tactics. Residents have received texts that falsely claim to be from the agency, with messages urging them to update payment information or risk forfeiting their refunds. The Treasury has made clear that it never sends unsolicited text messages to request sensitive information and that official correspondence with taxpayers is conducted through letters sent via the U.S. Postal Service. Officials urge residents to delete suspicious messages and to contact the department directly with any questions about refunds or tax obligations. The state’s Individual Income Tax Information Line can also be used to log these scams and verify tax information.

    Authorities in both states describe these fraudulent texts as another tool in the cybercriminal playbook. They rely on urgency and the appearance of official language to pressure recipients into surrendering personal data. Cybersecurity experts note that links embedded in such messages often lead to convincing but fraudulent websites designed to capture bank account or credit card details.

    These scams also take advantage of the psychology of tax season. Residents may already be anticipating communication about refunds or tax issues, and scammers exploit this expectation by imitating the formal language of government. References to state statutes or threats of forfeiture are designed to create an appearance of authority and urgency, making recipients more likely to respond without questioning the message’s authenticity.

    Smishing campaigns have historically focused on banks, shipping companies, and retailers, but government agencies have increasingly become the target. By impersonating tax departments or other state offices, scammers add a layer of credibility that makes their messages seem harder to dismiss. This evolution reflects a broader trend in cybercrime, where attackers adjust their tactics to exploit the most trusted institutions and the most stressful times of year.

    As tax agencies across different states continue to issue similar warnings, the pattern highlights the adaptability of smishing campaigns and the importance of public awareness. Residents who receive suspicious messages are advised to treat them with caution, verify claims directly with state agencies, and avoid engaging with any request for personal or financial information delivered by text.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 14, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , smishing,   

    FBI Warns: Toll Text Scam Sweeping the U.S. 

    FBI Warns: Toll Text Scam Sweeping the U.S.

    By Greg Collier

    The latest wave of scams preying on unsuspecting Americans has taken the form of fraudulent road toll collection texts, prompting the FBI to issue a public warning. These deceptive messages claim that recipients have outstanding toll balances, threatening fines or even suspension of driving privileges if they fail to make immediate payment. But rather than being legitimate notices from state toll authorities, these texts are part of a growing cybercrime operation designed to steal personal and financial information.

    This type of scam falls under ‘smishing’, a variant of phishing that relies on SMS messages rather than emails. The scammers’ approach is alarmingly effective. Messages appear authentic, often using official-sounding language and formatting that mirrors legitimate toll collection agencies. The scam is spreading rapidly, shifting from state to state with nearly identical wording in each new location.

    Authorities are urging recipients not to engage with these messages. The FBI recommends reporting them through its Internet Crime Complaint Center and then deleting them without responding. Unfortunately, the fraudsters behind this scheme have refined their methods to circumvent certain smartphone security features. For example, while Apple restricts clickable links in texts from unknown senders, these scammers prompt users to reply with ‘Y’ to re-establish communication, bypassing this safeguard.

    A cybersecurity analysis revealed that bad actors have registered over 10,000 domains to facilitate these scams, targeting toll services and package delivery systems across multiple states and even into Canada. The scale of this operation suggests a level of coordination that goes beyond the typical small-scale scam.

    Historically, the most frequently reported phone scam involved fraudulent jury duty claims, where scammers would impersonate court officials and demand immediate payment under the threat of arrest. However, at least anecdotally, the toll text scam appears to have surpassed it in prevalence. With so many Americans accustomed to electronic toll payments, these fraudulent messages often seem credible at first glance, increasing the likelihood of engagement.

    The unfortunate reason this scam is becoming so common is simple, it’s working. Scammers wouldn’t keep running these schemes if they weren’t succeeding in tricking victims into handing over their personal and financial information. Every person who falls for the scam encourages criminals to expand their operations, making it even more widespread.

    The best defense remains skepticism. State agencies do not request payments through unsolicited text messages, and any demand for financial information via text should be treated with extreme caution. As the scam continues to evolve, staying informed is key to avoiding falling victim to these deceptive tactics.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on March 7, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , smishing,   

    New $5K Scam Uses DOGE & Gov’t Promise 

    New $5K Scam Uses DOGE & Gov’t Promise

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam is making the rounds via text message, luring victims with the promise of a $5,000 federal subsidy. Authorities in Crawford County, Kansas, are warning residents to stay vigilant as scammers attempt to trick recipients into handing over personal information under the guise of government assistance.

    The fraudulent message claims that recent budget cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency have freed up money for distribution. It instructs recipients to reply with a confirmation, reopen the message, and click a provided link. This is an attempt to bypass security settings and increase engagement. The scammers promise that after submitting personal details, a check will be deposited directly into the recipient’s bank account or mailed within days.

    Officials have confirmed that this is a scam. Legitimate government agencies do not distribute funds in this manner, nor do they request sensitive information via unsolicited text messages. Anyone receiving such a message should delete it immediately and block the sender if possible. If there’s any uncertainty about a suspicious message, local law enforcement agencies can provide guidance, and reports can also be filed through official fraud reporting channels.

    This scam is just one example of how fraudsters exploit official-sounding names to appear legitimate. By invoking the ‘Department of Government Efficiency’, scammers create a sense of credibility, making their scheme more convincing. Similar tactics have been used in the past, and it’s likely that more scams will emerge using fabricated agencies or misleading government affiliations. Staying cautious of unsolicited financial offers, especially those that pressure quick action or request personal information, is essential in avoiding these ever-evolving threats.

     

← Older posts

c
Compose new post
j
Next post/Next comment
k
Previous post/Previous comment
r
Reply
e
Edit
o
Show/Hide comments
t
Go to top
l
Go to login
h
Show/Hide help
shift + esc
Cancel