How to Protect Yourself from Text Message Scams

Sep 23, 2025  Jortty

Text message scams, also termed text message frauds or SMS scams, indicate the scam and deceptive schemes that are performed through the modes of text messages that get sent to the mobile devices of a person. These are the scams that generally involve tricking its recipients into divulging sensitive personal details and financial information or clicking on malicious links, leading to identity theft, loss of finances, or any unauthorized access to personal accounts while using smart device support.

Therefore, it is essential to equip yourself against such scams, which are specifically engineered through text messages. At Jortty, we will highlight the scam text messages and help you identify them. We will even showcase the best ways to safeguard yourself and your businesses from becoming victims of SMS scams.

Protect Yourself from Smishing

Smashing scams can place your private data at risk. You have to stay proactive while safeguarding yourself from such attacks. Let’s check out the better ways to safeguard yourself against SMS scams.

Never Click on the Link Included in the SMS

Scammers would often try to indulge you into clicking on the phishing links in any way. They would use a tone and language of alert to force you into taking instant action without giving it a second thought. They would mention things such as “your account is getting hacked,” “your payment was declined,” or “your account is facing suspension.”

Things becomes quite tough to identify the scammy links since you never get a chance to hover over them through an SMS text. Although you get tempted to, never click on this link. You can often check out the link by manually writing it down on the URL checker you can find online or even use smart tech help to avoid phishing attempts.

Never Call or Text Back the Number

Scammers would often try texting random numbers; however, they would rarely start to guarantee that the text is reaching someone who is related. You may often get tempted to check out whether the sender is fake or real by calling out the number; however, doing so exposes you to the risks of calling unverified numbers. It will assure the scammers that the number is under use. When you opt to call them back, you enable them to show you a greater number of texts and calls. That is the reason why it is always best to refrain from texting or calling back the number.

Never Give Your Information to Unknown & Unverified Numbers

SMS scams would often urge you to send your details back with the help of SMS. It is like securing as you flaunt your wallet under a massive crowd. The sender would respond to arrive from your bank asking you to update your personal information. It is the reason why you should become suspicious since it is illegal for banks to ask for personal details through phone calls and SMS. The reputed firms, including the payment processes or banks, will only discuss your data over secure channels. They are more than likely to ask you about visiting them.

You may even get an SMS about the online services or social media account. However, it is convenient for the channels to use their secured proprietary apps to notify you whenever something is mishappening with your account. This is why you should never send the details to unverified or unknown numbers and ensure that your smart home support is also safe.

Check the Authenticity of the Message You Received

If you are receiving an SMS whose sender is claiming to be from your bank or PayPal, which is common in phishing scams targeting online banking users. You should find out more if:

• The number is from an authenticated company
• The individual contacting you is a company representative
• The issue mentioned in the message is present

You can connect with them through various means such as checking out the official website of the firm for the phone numbers or contact links. You can call that number and verify if the contents of the SMS are correct. You can also contact them through social media channels to verify the authenticity of the text message. Handing out personal information with the help of social media is never the best idea.

Consider Blocking the Number That Texted You

Although you are quite convinced that the SMS you received is an attempt to scam you, straight away block the number to ensure that you are never interacting with it even if it is by mistake. The majority of phone manufacturers like LG, Apple, and Samsung offer you the better option to add the phone number to the block list manually. You can connect to your phone carrier while a representative helps you to block any irritating caller. It is the ideal solution if the scammers are targeting your family or business. If you frequently change the number, you should ask your phone carrier to block the numbers for you. Else you have to block the numbers manually every time.

Delete All Suspicious Texts

You might be in the mode of never deleting any old text message. It is fine; however, if you have a scam message in your inbox, then it is merely a ticking time bomb. You are putting yourself at risk of opening fishy links present in the message, or you can even call out the number mistakenly. It would convince the scammers to target you with a greater number of smashing texts. If you are planning to report any scam campaign, then you can take screenshots instead of retaining the messages on your phone.

Always Stay Vigilant

Considering SMS scams, here are a couple of things to keep in mind that will help you identify the scam SMS:

• They comprise grammatical errors and several typos
• They mention offers that appear too good to be true
• They use a tone of alert
• They comprise of inconsistent URLs, email addresses, and domain names
• They urge you to confirm personal data or send money with the help of an SMS

Conclusion

The ideal way of safeguarding yourself from potential scams is to know about and identify them. At Jortty, a concierge tech marketplace, we can help you identify these scams and also share tips to help you protect yourself from these fraudulent activities. Furthermore, we suggest creating a strong password for your social media accounts and frequently changing it. Never use the same password for every login you make online.