Text Scams Victims Still Fall For

Email scams that used to be so popular in the internet world seemed to have grown old and so worn out. Another tool which is so popular to scammers is SMS (short messaging system) or via text messaging. Scammers try to imitate legit text messages from legit cash express money transfer companies so victims would still fall for it. These are called SMISHING messages. 'Smishers' use text messages nowadays as oppose to email because users tend to trust the former more than the latter after fraudulent activities sent via email have been exposed already.

For the past decade, money transfer business has become more accessible to both senders and recipients since transactions are done online. Companies like Remitly, Paymaya (you can send and receive money on upgraded accounts), Money Gram and a lot more.

Fraudsters/scammers send suspicious text messages in the hope that the victim calls the number from which the text was sent which is controlled by the fraudster rather than the bank's or company's customer service's hotline number.

Now, how are we going to identify legit messages from the fake ones?

First, always look at the sentence composition. Grammar and syntax represent professionalism. Most likely, the message did not come from a legit company if it has errors on grammar, spacing and syntax. Even the littlest detail like punctuation usage matters a lot if you are keen enough to notice it.

Second, the details should be complete. In the first photo, the message was too vague and incomplete. It has only the 'reference number' but it doesn't contain the sender's information. Unlike the second photo, all the pertinent details are indicated from the sender's name, the amount that was sent, money transfer company and the reference number.

Third, the sender will definitely confirm that with you via call, or another message, otherwise, it has been sent to you by a fraudster.

If the text message is suspicious as it may seem, never give out any bank information of yours no matter what happens if you don't want to be victimized. Be alert and be wise. Don't let your hard-earned money be stolen from you. Teach these scammers/fraudsters to make money legally. If you would still fall for their strategies and tactics after all these reminders, it's no longer their problem. It just means you are not just cautious. Beware!