Text scams are on the rise, and they often target older adults or individuals who may not be as familiar with the latest technology. These scams can lead to financial loss, data theft, and other serious consequences. Helping your loved ones learn to recognize and avoid these scams is essential for their safety and peace of mind.
In this article, we’ll cover strategies for educating family and friends about text scams, setting up scam-blocking tools, identifying scam themes, and enabling filters to prevent these messages from reaching them.
1. Educate on the Basics of Text Scams
The first step in protecting loved ones from text scams is to educate them about how these scams work. Many text scams, also known as smishing attacks, are attempts to steal personal information by sending phony messages that look like they’re from legitimate organizations.
Explain to them that scammers often pose as banks, government agencies, retailers, or even friends and family members to try to gain trust. Key points to emphasize include:
- Avoid clicking on links in any message from unknown senders.
- Don’t respond to requests for personal information like social security numbers, passwords, or account details via text.
- Be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency, such as “Your account will be locked” or “You must pay immediately.”
The more aware your loved ones are of common scam tactics, the more likely they’ll be to recognize a scam text when it appears.
2. Set Up Spam-Blocking Apps
One of the most effective ways to prevent scam texts from reaching loved ones’ devices is by using spam-blocking apps. Many of these apps can identify and block suspicious texts and calls automatically, offering an additional layer of protection.
Recommended Spam-Blocking Apps
Here are some reliable apps to consider:
- YouMail: Known for its advanced spam-blocking and call-filtering features, YouMail provides effective protection against both scam calls and texts.
- HulloMail: This app identifies and blocks spam messages based on a database of known scam numbers, helping keep unwanted messages away.
- Another Number: Another popular app for blocking spam, Another Number also offers caller ID features that can identify scam numbers.
These apps are often simple to install and configure, making them a good option for older adults who may not be comfortable with complex setups. Make sure to walk them through installation, showing them how to use the app effectively and check blocked messages in case any legitimate texts are flagged.
3. Identify Common Themes in Scam Texts
One of the best ways to recognize a scam text is to become familiar with the typical themes scammers use. This can make it easier for loved ones to spot a scam and avoid it. Here are some common themes in scam texts:
1. Bank or Financial Alerts
- Scammers often pretend to be from banks or credit card companies, warning about unauthorized charges, overdue payments, or suspicious activity.
- Legitimate institutions typically won’t ask for sensitive information like PINs or account numbers via text.
2. Fake Account Security Warnings
- Messages claiming to be from email providers, social media platforms, or other online services may warn that an account has been “locked” or is “at risk” due to unusual activity.
- Encourage loved ones to avoid clicking on links in such messages and, if they’re concerned, to access their accounts by going directly to the website.
3. Phony Prize or Gift Offers
- Scam texts often promise prizes, rewards, or gift cards in exchange for clicking a link or entering information.
- Emphasize that “winning” a prize without entering a contest is a red flag for scams.
4. Urgent Payment Requests
- Scammers may demand urgent payments, threatening account suspensions or legal action.
- Remind loved ones that real companies won’t use threatening language or demand immediate payment via text.
Teaching loved ones about these common themes can make it easier for them to identify scams when they encounter one.
4. Enable Filters and Built-In Spam Protection
Many smartphones now come with built-in spam filters and features that can block or filter messages from unknown senders. Enabling these settings can help prevent scams from reaching their phones in the first place.
iPhone Spam Filtering
- Go to Settings > Messages and enable Filter Unknown Senders.
- This feature will separate messages from people not in their contact list, making it easier to avoid scams.
Android Spam Filtering
- For Android phones, go to Messages > Settings > Spam protection.
- Turn on Enable spam protection. This will help block messages from unknown senders and filter out known scams.
These settings aren’t foolproof, but they provide a useful first line of defense against text scams.
5. Encourage Caution Around Links and Attachments
Remind your loved ones that clicking on links or opening attachments in suspicious texts is risky. Scammers use links to direct recipients to fake websites designed to look real, where they’ll try to collect personal information or install malware.
Here’s a simple rule to follow: If you didn’t request a link, don’t click it. If the message is supposedly from a trusted organization, encourage them to open their browser and go directly to the official website rather than using the link provided in the text.
6. Advise Against Responding to Suspicious Messages
Explain to loved ones that responding to a scam message, even to say “Stop” or “Unsubscribe,” can let scammers know their number is active, making them a target for future messages.
Instead, teach them to delete the message immediately without replying. If they’re unsure, they can always check with you or a trusted contact before taking any action.
7. Report Scam Texts
Encourage your loved ones to report any scam messages they receive. Reporting helps mobile carriers track and block known scams, which can help reduce the number of scam texts others receive.
How to Report a Scam Text:
- Forward the message to 7726 (which spells “SPAM” on a keypad) to report it to their carrier.
- Some smartphones have built-in options to report or block specific messages as spam. You can check message settings or call logs for the option to mark as spam.
Reporting scams also helps government agencies monitor the latest scam tactics, which can ultimately help create better protections for everyone.
8. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective ways to protect online accounts. With 2FA enabled, even if a scammer obtains a password, they won’t be able to access the account without a second verification code sent to a trusted device.
Help loved ones set up 2FA for their most important accounts, such as email, banking, and social media. This added layer of security can make a significant difference in keeping their accounts safe from hackers and scammers.
9. Encourage Open Communication
It’s natural for people to feel embarrassed if they fall for a scam, but emphasize to your loved ones that they should feel comfortable asking questions or seeking help whenever they feel unsure about a message.
Let them know that no question is too small, and it’s better to verify suspicious texts with you or another trusted contact than to take a risk. Building this line of communication can make a huge difference in preventing scams.
10. Regularly Review Security Practices
As scammers develop new tactics, it’s important to stay updated. Check in with your loved ones regularly to review their phone security settings, update any security apps, and answer any questions about recent messages they may have received. Staying proactive and keeping their devices up to date will help keep them safe.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Loved Ones Safe in a Digital World
Protecting loved ones from text scams doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a bit of awareness and vigilance. By educating them about common scam tactics, setting up spam-blocking apps, and creating open lines of communication, you can help them avoid falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated schemes.
In today’s digital world, these simple steps can make a world of difference in keeping your family and friends safe from text scams and other online threats. Remind them that with a bit of caution and support, they can navigate technology with confidence and avoid unnecessary risks.
