US consumers lost $ 470 million last year on frauds that began with fraudulent text messages, according to Federal Trade Commission data published on Wednesday.
Losses marked 26% of a total of $ 373 million from 2023 and a five -time jump out of $ 85 million. The FTC says the figures are probably just part of the real money lost to the scams because most financial fraud go unpacked.
At the same time, the number of frauds declared over the past four years, falling from 332,000 in 2020 to 247,000 last year, as the amount of lost money after declared fraud jumped, says FTC.
Fraudulent texts have increased more popular with computer criminals in recent years, as consumers have moved away from traditional -laptops and instead of doing more with their phones. In addition, the minimalist nature and abbreviated, or hidden, the links used in messages make messages more difficult to notice than they would be sent as traditional.
The most common type of text fraud reported in the FTC in 2024 were package delivery fraud, where computer criminals are trying to realize the shipping company like UPS or FedEx, or great retail as Amazon. They send messages falsely claim that there is a delivery problem. They could say that there is a problem with the credit card paying for it or that the delivery address should be returned.
Other usual fraud included false job opportunitiesIncluding so -called task frauds that start offers for easy online work, but often climb goals in “investing” their own money. Other messages are in the form of false fraud warnings that claim to have suspicious purchases on their credit card or unauthorized login to their bank account. Unpaid frauds for toll They have also become popular with computer criminals in recent months,
In addition, some Romantic scams Start with seemingly benign messages that seem to be out of the wrong number, but then the fraudster hits a conversation with the potential victim and trying to build a network connection over time, eventually asking for them for money,
Regardless of the pitch of the fraudster, the messages are trying to get the recipient to hand over money or cryptocurrencyBanking or credit card information, login accounts for accounts online or even their personal data as their social security number.
Tips to avoid fraud with text
Do not click on links in unwanted texts. Even if the text looks like it is actually from your bank or your favorite store, it is only better to go straight to that company's website instead of clicking on the connection.
Think twice before delivering sensitive information. Whether Request comes in the form of E -Sost, text or phone callThink before handing your personal or financial data. Does the company or the person who really need it? Even if the request is legitimate, the less your information is there, the better.
Set text filters and block known fraud numbers. You can do this on your Apple or Android Phone, or through your wireless carrier. Applications for blocking third -party calls can also stop messages. You need help? FTC recommends consultation with Honor.
Notify fraud fraud. You can do this through your messaging application with Apple or Android, but you can also copy the message and follow it to 7726 (spam). This will help your wireless carrier notice and block future messages. Messages can also apply to FTC on ReportFraud.ftc.gov.