OPINION: Texted scams are becoming more prevalent

Some days, it seems like a smartphone is nothing more than a receptacle for texts about a supposed package you never ordered or an overdue highway toll from a distant state or a fundraising appeal for someone you’ve never heard of.

This is more than just annoying. People who reported fraud to the Federal Trade Commission last year lost a total of $470 million to bogus text messages like these.

While email in 2024 continued to be the most common means by which scammers stole people’s money or identity, texts often carry the same threats and use the same methods.

The goal is to trick you into handing over information like your password, account numbers or Social Security identification. They do this by persuading their targets to click on a link and promising such things as free gifts or help in paying off a student loan.

They might impersonate a legitimate financial institution or other company and say that there has been fraudulent activity on your account, so you must act quickly.

Here are some tips for spotting these fake texts, courtesy of the Better Business Bureau:

• Be wary of any type of message that is unsolicited. Consider whether you have, in fact, entered a contest recently when a text is telling you that you won something. Are you really expecting a package? Did you give permission for this company to text you? If something is unsettling about a text, contact the company directly.
• Don’t fall for an “opt out” option that tells you to text “no” or “stop” if you no longer want to be contacted. Do not be tempted, because the best thing is not to engage.” In reality, your reply tells them they have a real, active phone number and could open you up to future attacks,” the BBB says. Instead erase the message and block the number.
• If you do click on a link in a suspicious text and it sends you to what looks like an official website, check the URL carefully or contact the company to see if it’s a bogus site. Scammers can create a carbon copy of a company’s online presence, and if you login, they can steal your username and password.
• Be aware that a personalized message does not make the sender trustworthy. They can be using the many personal details that are available in the public arena due to postings on social media and data breaches.
• Finally, report a fraudulent text by copying the message and forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM). That will help your provider spot and block similar messages in the future.

Law enforcement scam targeting NM residents

The U.S. District Court of New Mexico is warning about a rash of phone calls, texts and emails purporting to be from law enforcement and including an attachment with a fake arrest warrant for supposed failure to appear and contempt of court.

The name appearing on the warrant may belong to a legitimate judge, court employee or law enforcement agent, but it’s a spoof.

Those on the receiving end might be asked to meet the caller at the “federal bonding building” to pay a fine and post bond, according to an alert from the court. They are told the matter will be dismissed if they pay up immediately.

Be aware that the U.S. District Court does not ask for sensitive information in an unsolicited phone call or email and won’t impose a fine for failure to appear without having the person first appear before a judge.