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In today’s digital age, we rely heavily on our smartphones. They are essential to staying in connection with friends and family. In addition, they help us to connect with people around the globe. Unfortunately, smartphones have also become a new way for scammers to intrude on our privacy. Scammers can exploit technology and reach victims through smartphones using Robotexts. Exactly Who is texting me?
Robotexts are also known as SMS spam. They are unsolicited text messages. These are to a considerable number of people by using some software or technology. They are generated through auto-dialers and are considered a type of call, so they come under Robocall Rules. Below you will learn more about Robotexts, the rise of robotext scams, their impact on individuals and businesses, and how to protect yourself from falling victim to them.
How are Robotexts Defined?
They are very similar to robocalls. They use automated technology to send unsolicited messages to myriads of people at one time. These messages may contain advertisement material or brand promotions. However, in some cases, these messages contain phishing content and malware. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Robotexts are rising. Scammers are using them as a way to trap people into sending money. These scammers are also challenging to find. Unfortunately, they also use these messages to intrude into personal information and privacy.
Impact of Robotext on Individuals and Businesses.
The impact of robotext on individuals and businesses can be significant. For individuals, receiving a robotext can be annoying. These texts are very dangerous as they put privacy at risk. These scams can also trick people into sending money to scammers.
For businesses, Robotexts can damage their reputation. These texts can hinder the customers’ trust in a company. A business name associated with a scam has a low brand reputation. It is hard for customers to trust such businesses. Businesses that fall victim to robotext scams may also suffer financial losses.
Discover the Types of Robotext Scams.
Phishing scams.
These scams use deceptive messages to trick people into providing personal information, such as valuable login credentials or credit card numbers. These messages may appear from a legitimate company or service, such as a bank or social media platform. Often these, in turn, are sold on the dark web.
Phishing scams also use text messages to tempt people into downloading malware. For example, they could urge people to visit a phishing website for a free download. In these messages, they also tell people about their account getting hacked, and for recovery, click this link. Be Warned! Now you know what to look out for. Keep your information private.
Prize scams.
These scams are on the rise nowadays. They lure people to pay money upfront to get colossal prize money. Sometimes a vehicle, a piece of land, or a house. They also urge people to put their personal information like phone number, name, and email address to claim the prize. In addition, scammers may claim to give you sweepstakes and free promotional gifts in exchange for personal information.
Investment / Charity scams.
Investment scams encourage people to invest in fraudulent or non-existent opportunities. They lure people to invest significantly for a high ROI with little risk. They also ask for personal information to proceed further. A common tactic would be to sell you stock in company A and then receive free crypto coins or bonus shares.
Charity scams use fake charity names to get money from people. People who want to help those in need fall for these scams more often. They may claim to be raising money for a disaster or a specific group of people. And ask for payment or personal information to donate.
Protecting Yourself from Robotext Scams.
The FCC has taken steps to crack down on robotext scams New Regulations will ban the use of auto-dialers unless you previously gave consent or is covered by emergency use. Consumers must protect themselves proactively. Explore some tricks and ways to save yourself from robotext fraud. Here are some easy ways to help protect against these.
- Do not respond to texts in that you do not recognize the number. Many phones will now detect and ask you if these are spam. Block them right away
- Never share your personal or financial information via text.
- Look out for poorly worded texts and gross mis-spelling or texts that originate via e-mail addresses.
- Be careful about blindly clicking on text links, even from a friend. Firstly please verify the information with them. You may have received the spam being in their contacts.
- Government agencies do not initiate contact via text. Most scammers often pretend to be the IRS, among others.
- File a complaint with the FCC
Recent news from FCC on Robotexts
Conclusion – Robotexts.
As you know about Robotexts now, you should take the necessary steps to save yourself from such scams. Many people use highly paid software to carry out these scams, and you can protect yourself by reacting wisely to these messages. Scammers not only victimize one or two persons. They send messages to a plethora of people. So, the victims who don’t know about these scams fall for these messages.
Robotexts are a growing concern; scammers constantly develop new tactics to exploit consumers. With more technological advancements, these scams and frauds will also increase.