Scammers want you to respond to their texts (2024)

FAQs

Scammers want you to respond to their texts? ›

They might steal your information or install malware on your device. Scammers want you to react quickly to unexpected text messages, but it's best to stop and check it out. Or just delete it.

Clicking on a link, replying, or calling a number in a scam text can put you at risk of fraud, identity theft, and more.

Just opening a text message, even a suspicious one, won't directly infect your device or compromise your data. However, the danger lies in what you do after you open the message. Many scam texts, also known as “smishing” attempts, rely on tricking you into taking an action that puts you at risk.

Don't reply to text messages from unknown numbers.

It could lead to a scam. Delete and report them using your phone's “report junk” option or forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) and unwanted emails to your email provider.

If you are receiving texts that you didn't ask for, report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 (or "SPAM"). Campaigns should also honor opt-out requests if you reply "STOP."

In short, no. You can't get hacked by simply answering your phone.

No, you cannot get hacked by replying to a scam text, but you can get hacked from a scam text if you click on a malicious link the scammer sends you.

Spam Text Messages and Phishing

Scammers send fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information — things like your password, account number, or Social Security number. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts.

Directly replying to a spam text message lets a spammer know your number is in use. After you reply, they can sell your phone number to other spammers who might bombard you with false promises of free gifts, product offers, and links to malware or spoofed sites.

Can your text messages be used against you? ›

Yes, text messages can be used in court. This is because they're considered electronic records of dialogue. However, they must meet several requirements before being entered as court evidence.

Don't respond to texts from unknown numbers. If you think you are engaging with a scammer via text, you should report and block the scammer while following the instructions from your phone provider. Don't supply any personal or financial information in response to a text message.

In some cases, yes. Replying to a smishing message can allow malware into your phone or land you some unwanted charges.

The text message is unsolicited (scammers will always contact you out of the blue). The text sender has a long phone number (10 or 11 digits). The phone number is “spoofed” (i.e., it looks like it's coming from someone you know or trust). The text includes a link that is most likely shortened or scrambled.

Never tell them where you work. Soon as they ask for money or gift cards, block them. Never send them your picture. They can use it to scam other people and you won't even know it.

Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers.

Android and iOS phones typically acquire malware when the phone's user is tricked into downloading it. It could come in through a downloaded app, an email attachment, SMS text link, or content that was downloaded from a website.

We've seen messages thrown into spam because the reply-to looks suspicious or uses a freemail domain, a common phishing or spoofing tactic.

With just your phone number, hackers can send you phishing texts and calls, flood your phone with spam calls, spoof your phone number, swap your SIM card and even steal your personal information. Continue reading to learn more about what hackers can do with your phone number and tips for keeping yourself safe.