What is the origin of the mysterious text that appeared out of nowhere?

Bill from Mesa, Arizona, recently shared an experience that underscores the growing concern of differentiating between legitimate messages and potential scams as our phones are frequently bombarded with notifications.

In the past week, I have twice received texts that were supposedly sent to someone else. The most recent one asked if I was available tomorrow evening. Although I did not recognize the number, I am an active participant in an elderly park and receive many calls and texts from unknown numbers. I responded that my wife thought we were available. A few minutes later, I received a text asking if I was Mrs. Amy. I replied that I was not Mrs. Amy and had never been, but it was a problem.

"A text message thanked me for being polite and expressed appreciation for polite individuals. The texter also invited me to a backyard BBQ if I ever visit LA. Upon reflection, I noticed that several other texts ended with a similar sentiment. The first message, which I deleted, was similar in tone and format. Is this a scam, and why?"

Text message scams are common, and many people receive messages that may seem harmless at first but could be part of a more sinister scheme. Let's explore the world of text message scams and learn how to safeguard ourselves.

The anatomy of a text message scam

SMS-based scams, or "smishing," have become more advanced, with scammers employing various techniques to deceive potential victims and establish trust. Some common features include:

An unknown number is the source of the message. For example, you may receive a text from +1-555-123-4567, which is not in your contacts.

Unsolicited contact: The message unexpectedly appears, usually with a friendly or urgent tone. Example: "Hey! It's been a while. How have you been?"

The scammer may use your name or mention a common activity to appear legitimate. For instance, "Hey John, it's Sarah from the gym. Do you want to join me for a workout session tomorrow?"

Rewritten: Prizes, invitations, and other tempting offers are frequently given. Example: "Congratulations! You've won a $500 gift card. Click here to claim your prize!"

The scammer may request personal details, either directly or indirectly. Example: "This is your bank. We need to verify your account. Please reply with your account number and PIN."

Be wary of unexpected messages that ask for personal information or contain suspicious links.

Understanding the scammer's strategy

In Bill's case, the scammer used a "long-play" strategy by engaging in friendly conversation and offering invitations to build trust over time, with the ultimate goal of scamming him.

Gathering personal information through a gradual process, with the intention of using it for identity theft purposes.

Installing malicious software on your device is the result of clicking on a malware link.

Financial scams: Building trust to eventually request money or financial information.

How to identify suspicious texts

To protect yourself from text message scams, follow these steps:

• Verify the entire email address or phone number, not just the display name.
• Be cautious of messages with urgent topics, grammatical mistakes, or unusual links.
• To verify the authenticity of a message from a known entity, contact them through official channels.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Don't let politeness override your judgment.

What to do if you suspect a scam

If you suspect you've received a fraudulent text message, follow these six steps.

Avoid engaging with the scammer to prevent future attempts.

Utilize your phone's built-in blocking capabilities to prevent any further communication.

• To block a caller on your iPhone, open the message app, tap the sender's name or number, select "Info," and then choose "Block Caller."
• To block a conversation on Android, long-press the message, then select the three-dot menu and choose "Block" or "Block & Report Spam." You may need to confirm your decision by clicking "Yes." The settings may differ based on your Android phone's manufacturer.

Please forward the suspicious text to 7726 (SPAM) and also report it directly to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Avoid disclosing personal information or clicking on links in response to unrequested text messages to safeguard your information.

To safeguard yourself from malicious links and potential data breaches, it is crucial to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets secure. For the best antivirus protection in 2025, check out my top picks for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Consider using a data removal service to erase your personal information from data broker sites. These services can help reduce spam, decrease the risk of identity theft, and clean up your online presence by automatically removing your data from hundreds of data broker sites.

Having a data removal service can be beneficial if you want to consistently monitor and automate the process of removing your information from numerous websites over an extended period of time. Here are my top recommendations for data removal services.

Kurt’s key takeaways

It's natural to be polite, but always prioritize your safety and personal information. Trust your instincts, verify unknown contacts, and never hesitate to ignore or block suspicious messages. A true friend won't mind if you take extra steps to verify their identity, and a legitimate organization will have official channels for communication.

Have you or someone you know been affected by text message scams, and what steps did you take to protect yourself? Please share your experiences with us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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