How to protect yourself from text scams
Many Filipinos have been recently receiving questionable text messages that are mostly offering high-paying jobs, announcing raffle winners, banks asking you to update your app, and such. These, of course, are scam text messages.
Scam text messages are used by criminals to either steal information, identity, or money from oblivious users. Usually, the messages come with a link that will redirect you to a website and will require you to input your personal details.
Although this technique is not a new way of scamming people, these kinds of text messages are still prevalent because a lot of people still fall victim to these scams. These scammers usually pretend to be a relative asking for prepaid load or mask themselves as online banks asking for your details.
That's why now, more than ever, it is better to be careful and vigilant. Here are some of the practices you can do to avoid getting scammed and protect your data.
1. Check the number
If the number of the message came from a regular mobile number, then most likely, it's not real. Companies use special numbers that is exclusive to them. The numbers are not even indicated in a legitimate text from companies, just the name of the company.
2. Do not click the link
Do not attempt to click the link included in the text message. These links can either redirect you to a website where you will need to enter your personal details or infect your phone with a virus. Do not click on the link.
Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pexels3. Block the number and delete the message
Although most people haven't yet encountered scammers with the same number, it's better to completely block them off and avoid further getting text messages from them. After doing so, delete the message to remove the thread. You don't want your little brother or cousin accidentally clicking on the link while they're playing with your phone.
Photo by Michael Burrows from Pexels4. Read before you act
The important thing is to research first before getting yourself involved in any raffle text messages. Platforms such as PayMaya and GCash have legit raffles that can be copied by scammers. Make sure to read all the details about the raffle on the official website of the company offering it to check if it is real including its social media pages. If you're curious, don't check it through the text message sent to you check it on the app or website.
Photo by Hassan OUAJBIR from Pexels5. Call your bank to confirm
If a scam text message is asking you to update your online banking app, check it through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If it requires an update, use the available update on the app store. If it's asking for your banking details, you can call your bank to confirm the transaction.
Source: Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pexels6. Do not engage
Do not reply to the scam text messages. Interacting with it can further open a conversation that might lead to more deception. The best way is to just delete them.
Source: Photo by Anete Lusina from Pexels
6. File a complaint to NTC
To break the never-ending saga of scammers, you can file a complaint to the National Telecommunications Commission's (NTC) website. Reporting these incidents can help them further analyze the situation and build a strategy to end this scam once and for all.
You can also share your experience on social media to spread awareness.
Speaking of social media, check out these tweets that made a mark:
