In today’s digital world, scam texts—also known as “smishing” (a combination of SMS and phishing)—are becoming more common and more sophisticated. Phishing is a scam where scammers pretend to be a trusted source to steal personal information through fake messages or websites. High school girls, who are often active on social media and messaging apps, are considered to be especially at risk. These fraudulent messages attempt to trick people into sharing personal information, clicking on dangerous links, or even sending money. As scams become harder to detect, it is important to stay informed and protect yourself from falling victim.
What Are Scam Texts?
Scam texts come in many forms, often disguising themselves as messages from banks, delivery services, or even friends. Some common types include:
- Fake Banking Alerts: A text claiming your bank account has been compromised and urging you to click a link to verify your identity.
- Prize or Giveaway Scams: A message saying you’ve won a contest you never entered, requiring you to provide personal details to claim the prize.
- Impersonation Scams: Messages from “friends” or “family” asking for money or personal information because they’re in trouble.
- Social Media Phishing: Links sent through Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat that ask you to log in, often leading to account takeovers.
How to Spot a Scam Text
Scam texts can sometimes look legitimate, but there are warning signs to watch for:
- Urgency or Fear Tactics: Messages that pressure you to act immediately to avoid penalties or security threats.
- Unknown or Suspicious Numbers: Texts from random numbers, especially those mimicking official organizations.
- Grammatical Errors or Weird Formatting: Many scam texts contain typos, odd phrasing, or inconsistent fonts.
- Requests for Personal Information: No legitimate company will ask for sensitive details like your Social Security number, passwords, or banking info via text.
How to Protect Yourself
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the best way to stay safe from scam texts is to follow these guidelines:
- Don’t Respond – Never reply to a suspicious text, even if it says “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” This confirms to scammers that your number is active.
- Don’t Click Links – Links in scam texts often lead to phishing websites or malware. If a text claims to be from your bank or another company, go directly to their official website instead.
- Block and Report – Most phones allow you to block numbers.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication – This adds an extra layer of security in case scammers try to hack your accounts.
- Be Wary of Social Media Messages – If a friend sends you a strange link, double-check with them outside of the app before clicking.
Senior Caroline Arthur has shared a similar experience, saying, “I’ve gotten so many of these scam messages, especially in my Instagram DMs, and there were times I almost clicked on the links without thinking. Now, I’m extra aware and always double-check before interacting.”
Why This Matters
High school students use their phones constantly—for school, socializing, and even banking. Falling for a scam text could mean losing money, getting hacked, or even having personal data leaked. Being aware of these dangers is very important. You can protect yourself from scam texts by staying alert, questioning suspicious messages, and taking precautions.
