How to Identify a Fake Text Message Within Seconds

By Samuetta Hill Drew Scams using text messages are referred to as “smishing,” while scam emails are known as “phishing.” As Shakespeare writes “what’s in a name” because by any other name the goal is still the same – to either steal your money or your identity. Many users are aware of the dangers of responding to suspicious emails, but they are somewhat clueless when it comes to text messages. As a result, 21 percent of all fraud cases start with a text message, with most unassuming victims losing an average of $900, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The focus in this week’s safety article is to help you spot a fake text message (smishing) in mere seconds. We want you to be aware of the red flags to look for whenever you receive a strange text or message on a messaging app such as Telegram or Whatsapp. Below are those red flags warning signs: The text message is unsolicited (scammers will always contact you out of the blue). The text sender has a long telephone number (10 or 11 digits). The telephone number is “spoofed” (i.e., it looks like it’s coming from someone you know or trust)....