Fraudsters are continuously devising new methods to deceive individuals, with the latest threat now arising from ordinary text messages. Recent research conducted by security experts at Malwarebytes reveals a significant increase in the circulation of fake chats targeting smartphones.
Some of these deceptive messages may begin with a simple ‘Hello’, while others may imply prior acquaintance with the recipient. For instance, one message identified by Malwarebytes states, “Hi, I noticed your contact details saved in my contacts, can you remind me where we previously interacted.”
The primary objective behind these fraudulent text messages is to establish a connection and extract personal information, ultimately leading to data theft, as reported by The Express. Responding to these messages initiates a friendly conversation, with the ultimate goal being to gain the recipient’s trust and potentially engage them in a costly romance or investment scam, according to Malwarebytes. Surprisingly, these scams have proven to be remarkably successful.
Notably, a common tactic known as the “Hi mum” scam, which involves impersonating a family member in distress, has resulted in significant financial losses to victims across the UK.
It is now imperative for owners of iPhones or Android devices to remain vigilant, refrain from responding to such messages, and avoid clicking on any links sent by unfamiliar contacts. Malwarebytes advises, “Responding confirms your active number, making you a target for potential exploitation by scammers who may sell or share your contact information.”
If you receive a suspicious message, it is recommended to exercise caution and refrain from engaging with unknown contacts or clicking on any embedded links.