Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Specific Wording. As a concise answer, yes, you can get hacked or get a virus by a spam text. @SamWeaver is this a built-in, or an app I could download? Can you get scammed by replying to a text? These suspicious links can offer you some gift or an entry into an appealing raffle. Scammers have taken note, and many are betting that we may be more likely to respond to a text than answer a call from a number we don't recognize. Can someone steal my information through a text message? After that, there is target OS identification. Theyll need confirmation from you or will lure you into clicking a suspicious link to release malware onto your device. Besides tricking you into making payments for fake services, common goals of a scam text include getting your personal information and account details for fraud or blackmail. As aforementioned, you can use an application like TrueCaller to do so. Also, if an individual is already infected with malware, text messages can be used to trigger certain attacks. 2023 Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicyCode of EthicsPPLSI SOC3, 2023 Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved, How to Tell if Your Password Has Been Compromised. However, there are a few potential risks that you should be aware of. Android phones can get infected by merely receiving a picture via text message, according to research published Monday. Public networks like the Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop are loosely encrypted and ripe for hacking. All information by authors is accepted in good faith; however, PPLSI makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information. Once the spammer knows that your phone number is active, they will send you more texts trying to scam you. Its crucial to differentiate between an actual genuine person reaching out to you and a scamming attempt. For example, in Canada, extra proceeds from the lottery are used to fund health and education projects. What happens if you open a text from a scammer? Yes, it is possible to get scammed for replying to a text. Its common for scammers to use text messages to acquire your information illegally or hack private accounts. Doing this will lower your chances of receiving more spam texts and calls. The link you click could lead to a fake website asking you to log in to your account. If you accidentally open a spam text, theres no need to panic. The most apparent method of releasing malware is to send a suspicious link. As a result, your phone battery might drain quickly, and your mobile data usage should have increased. Read this guide to learn more. If you receive a suspicious or strange text, delete it right away. Hopefully this has helped put your mind at ease that when it comes to whether or not someone can hack your device just with your number the answer is a resounding NO! Are SMS,MMS stored on the network service providers' servers? That means social security numbers, addresses, and even your credit card information can all be vulnerable through a simple, unassuming text message you receive. So while most are tempted to prank scammers, its best to block that number and continue with your day. Theres no guaranteed foolproof way to identify a scamming attempt; however, being cautious can help you avoid malware infiltration on your device. It may indicate account compromise, asking you to update your credentials by clicking the included link. Think twice before clicking any links in a text message. The simple answer - no, you can not get hacked by replying to a text message. It only takes a minute to sign up. However, devices havent made it easy for scammers to gain access. Step 3 : Find the Filter Unknown Senders option. Responding could leave you vulnerable to scams or other security risks. SMS phishing attacks known as smishing use this technique. And that link you hit may very well have released spyware into your operating system. He has worked in both public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities. Theres a good chance youve received texts like this before: In these types of scams, the attacker is hoping that you will respond to their text and get a conversation going. Of course, once the fraudster gets your login credentials, they perpetrate the very fraud they claim to be preventing. These messages may contain malicious links or ask users to enter confidential information. Can you get scammed by opening a text message? They're too frequent (maybe between 3 and 8 each week), and too uniformly bland ("Hi.") I knew immediately that this was a scam, as I was watching that streaming video service when I received the text. Smishing is when fraudsters use text messaging to impersonate a trusted organization and steal your identifying information, such as your Social Security number, account usernames and passwords, bank account information or credit card numbers. Blocking and deleting spam texts is an excellent way to protect yourself from them. Sometimes, scammers can even pretend to be in trouble, so youll need to avoid being a good samaritan in your text messages. Monitoring critical areas where theft occurs, Help and restoration if your identity is stolen, Alerting you to potentially nefarious activity. How to Check Your iPhone for a Virus or Malware. Then download a password manager app, which will store your passwords safely, and auto-login when you open an account. Replying to a random text might not get your phone hacked but it could get you in involved in a scam. The cost of mass sending SMS is low, so if they get an acceptable return rate, they will earn some money with it. The most common signs of your device having a virus are persistent and random pop-ups. 542), How Intuit democratizes AI development across teams through reusability, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. These messages may look like they come from a legitimate business, bank, or other service provider, but are actually phishing scams. 00:00 - Can you get scammed by replying to a text?00:38 - Can someone hack you through texting?01:08 - What happens when you reply stop to a text?01:41 - How. They also keep us connected to family and friends, something many of us do via text. Related: The New Way You'll Get Hacked: Through That Banking App on Your Phone, "A phone is something you always have on you," Clair told NBC News. This may give the attacker knowledge of when to best attack you or your employer. The information available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide professional advice, render an option, or provide any specific recommendations. That opens the door to a variety of social engineering attacks. Alyssa Newcomb is an NBC News contributor who writes about business and technology. Do not download any suspicious applications on your phone, as they can automatically gain access to your number. Here, again, the fraudsters get your credentials in order to compromise your account, while unleashing some form of spyware into your system. Be cautious of where your number is being used and who has access to it. How Many Times Has Auburn Won The National Championship? Why do I get text messages offering to buy my house? @SamWeaver: unsure whether it does not come from the mobile phone provider. @tonysdg (1) can be verified even if you don't reply. 11-Digit Numbers. Spam and phishing SMS could target your phone number. Ensure that you do not respond to texts from people you do not know, even if theyre attempting to manipulate you into believing theyre preventing you from some tremendous immense harm. Spyware is malware that monitors what you do with your phone. You get posts from friends with a suspicious link. Even if it seems like fun you are technically giving this person/entity data. Most scammers might also ask for help which you should not provide and immediately block the number. Spam often uses the same generic tactics to try and dupe you. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. If not, call this phone number," Pierson Clair, senior director of cyber security and investigations at Kroll, told NBC News. Unless you can be sure that you know the number that is texting you, never reply back. Ultimately, whether or not lottery gives you money depends on which type of lottery you are playing. If theyre urging you to share private information and acting to help you avert a threat, thats a trap. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Phishing attempts are a form of cybercrime where the spammer will try to get you to divulge sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Your phone has all your contacts, voice mails, apps, social media, photos, videos, search historynot to mention that you use it to call, face time, email, video and text. According to WhatsApp's own literature, there are five common types of wording in messages that you need to be aware of: Misspellings or grammatical mistakes. Can you get hacked by replying to a text on WhatsApp? Earlier this year, we shared information about a Selective Service (U.S. military draft) related text scam. Never share sensitive personal or financial information by text. Experts recommend you don't respond to texts from strangers if nothing else, a scammer will know your phone number is active when you reply. Odd behavior from your device: If your phone is freezing or crashing more often than usual, it could be a sign that it has been hacked. If you open a text from a scammer, its important to not provide any personal information and to delete all messages from the scammer. Architecturally SMS was built before security was a concern, it has almost no security controls to speak of and although useful it should not be used for high-trust applications like authorizing wire transfers. No. For now, think of spyware as a thief that has snuck into your house, and will quietly wait and watch to see where you hide your valuables. The malicious senders aim for you to call them back to find who they are and then you are overcharged. Even though it is unlikely for you to get hacked from replying to a text, it can cause you to receive more unwanted texts in the future. Android phones can get infected by merely receiving a picture via text message, according to research published Monday. . But, if you are playing a lottery game that offers cash prizes, then yes, lottery can give you money. If you see any that you did not installuninstall it immediately. A fraudster will call, impersonating a bank official, informing you of your compromised account, lost funds, anything to get you to sign in to your account there and then. In some cases, yes. A fraudster can infiltrate devices connected to a public network, unleashing spyware while gathering personal information. For example, people can steal your information through text by pretending to be a trustworthy source, such as a news anchor or official personnel. Additionally, criminals can send text messages containing phishing links as a way to install malware or steal your personal information. To help you stay safe, there are a few easy and important ways to protect yourself from unwanted text messages. Report the phishing attempt to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. IE 11 is not supported. Therefore, youre still safe if youve opened a text from a fraudulent source. This is likely the biggest smartphone flaw ever discovered. Furthermore, it is best to be wary of unsolicited text messages and links sent on your phone. The pattern of the range of numbers sending messages, repeated messages from the same number and content would tend to support or refute this. If a law is new but its interpretation is vague, can the courts directly ask the drafters the intent and official interpretation of their law? However, they cannot automatically gain access to or steal your information if you dont share any information. Some texts from unknown numbers might seem innocent at first. It is important to be cautious when responding to text messages and think twice before clicking on any links or sharing any personal information. In that light, presumably replying "Sorry, I think you have the wrong number" to a number once would seem to be safe where it is feasible that a text might have been accidentally misdirected? There are several things you can do to prevent being hacked. I'm trying to understand why someone (or several someones) would bother sending such messages. Most scamming attempts are poorly orchestrated, and it should be easy for you to filter fraudulent texts out. One recent evening, I received a text claiming that my streaming video service account was inactive, and that I needed to click a link in the text to reactivate it. That number is expected to rise as criminals get craftier and go after unsuspecting victims in new ways. You should also be careful of links or requests to download files shared through texts; these could contain malware or any malicious software that may infect your phone and your personal data. This is not always a good idea and leads to people being concerned that they are at risk of being hacked after the unknown phone number sends back strange or threatening text messages. Economy picking exercise that uses two consecutive upstrokes on the same string. Can you get scammed by replying to a text? ", Cultura RM Exclusive/Chad Springer / Getty Images/Cultura Exclusive, 'Smishing' Cyber Attacks Target Customers Via Text Message, The New Way You'll Get Hacked: Through That Banking App on Your Phone. Can someone steal your information through a text? All Licensed Private Investigators are licensed in the state of Oklahoma. Because it's National Consumer Protection Week, we're taking time out to talk to family and friends about text-based scams, and we ask you to do the same. . Some scam texts may direct you to call back a number "for more information" or "to resolve a problem." Warn them to look out for messages asking for money or bearing a link that might unleash malware. Phishing refers to acquiring peoples information through fraudulent means, and smishing is just the SMS version. We give you an anti-virus and anti-malware solution using our cloud-based AI technology for your devices and our own Virtual Private Network with bank-grade encryption for up to 15 devices on our IDShield Family Plan which protects your web traffic wherever you go. Does iPhone Have a Junk Folder for Text Messages? Send Me Money via PayPal. Yes, it is possible for your phone to get a virus from opening a text message, although it is not very common. Don't click the link or call the number. Text-based messages, even those sent via multimedia message (MMS), are not a vector for malware or viruses. They also will not ask for personal or financial information, so be wary if someone is asking for this. Smishing messages often contain a link, which can lead to a malicious website that requests personal and financial information. Its also possible that the scammer will attach an unknown file to the text, which can be malicious and can install malicious software on your device. Most lotteries offer cash prizes that range from small amounts to multiple millions of dollars. Eventually, they will try to ask you for money, gift cards, your credit card, online account passwords or other information that can be used to scam you. Yes, there is a scam about lottery winners giving away money. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Our guide will explain how you can protect your private information and avoid answering unnecessary texts to prevent hackers from gaining access to your personal information. That means that you cannot get away with copy-pasting AI-generated content. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. If you call or click, they'll then be able to harvest more data. Fill it in on forms, set it on accounts? The scammers will never actually give the victim their share of the money, and the victim can end up losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Can you get scammed by opening a text message? This guide will show you everything you need to know about text mail subscribers. Do this by using an online password generator. 5. Respond with 'Y' or 'N'?" If all the numbers on a ticket are a match, then the ticket holder is the winner of the jackpot. Merely opening the message wouldnt do any harm, but if you click on those suspicious links, you might be redirected to some untrustworthy webpages or sites. Should I Respond To Text Messages From Unknown Numbers? Has Microsoft lowered its Windows 11 eligibility criteria? Thanks! However, it is not a good idea to reply to texts from senders that you do not know. When it comes to getting hacked and having your personally identifiable information compromised, these days, its not a question of if, its more a question of when. Data breaches are happening with more regularity and cyber thieves are becoming even more Have you ever asked yourself: am I being hacked? Perhaps not, because skilled hackers do their dirty work in a way that doesnt tip off their victims. Think twice before clicking any links in a text message. While you might receive some relatively harmless spam texts, its best to avoid responding to spam altogether. Do not respond to texts from unknown numbers, or any others that appear suspicious. (I am assuming that this is a personal email) If this is a business email account, the headers from your email may leak information useful . Finally, spam texts can be a nuisance and may clutter up your inbox and distract you from important messages. Whilst the attack scenarios are interesting, the initial ideas require an on-going dialogue. Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting victims through a text message scam called "smishing" that can infect your smartphone and let thieves steal your personal information. 1. The answer is yes, you can get text message records from Verizon, but there are a few things . Can you get scammed by opening a text? But it is, by no means, enough protection. Again this is something of a fictitious example but the combination of insecure SMS systems in some countries combined with some horribly written systems allowing user SMS input something similar to this could potentially be possible. The scammer can ask you to provide personal information such as your bank account numbers, credit card numbers, or your Social Security number. THE ANSWER. Your favorite resource for the most up to date Technology Term Definitions, Technology Product Reviews and Lifestyle Tech Help, Can You Get Hacked By Replying To A Text? The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warned about a romance scam disguised as a text to a wrong number back in March. WGAL8 reported on a recent Amazon text message . However, our guide provides all the tips and awareness you need to avoid getting hacked by responding to a text. The next thing that may be useful is the words you use and your very personal phrases Things like "Thanks again" "Cheers" "Peace" or "Have a great day" may help an attacker forge e-mails for a phishing campaign that look exactly like text you would actually use in conversation. It affects an estimated 950 million phones worldwide about 95% of the Androids in use today. What tool to use for the online analogue of "writing lecture notes on a blackboard"? To block random texts from unknown numbers on iPhone download Dont Text available for free on the App Store. If so, is there useful information that someone can obtain just by sending an SMS message, and what can be determined if the recipient replies (assuming they don't include any personal or security information in the reply)? In such cases, the message may be disguised as coming from a reputable company and look like a legitimate message. If you open a text from a scammer, it is possible that your data can be compromised. I think in many locations the type of phone number could be used to see if this is the case. After you install the app, take a few seconds to set it up and you never have to see another spam text again. However, scammers are getting very creative, and you should leave those distrustful texts be. You see the beauty about GSM is that you do not have to be connected to the network at the same time as the recipient because messages are sent to a SMSC which utilises a mechanism called "store and forward". What mitigations are likely in place? Receiving spam texts is harmless, clicking links in spam text messages in not. Something that hasn't been covered in the other answers is messages like these are commonly used to check if a phone number is still active. Email safety rules. Validate everything.". Depending on the message, the scammer may try to collect your personal information, such as banking and credit card details, which can be used to take money from your accounts. However, it is not a good idea to reply to texts from senders that you do not know. A factory reset will clear whatever malware lurks in your phones operating systembut it will wipe out all other data, as well. This could easily be part of a large-scale reconnaissance effort. It appears as if the hackers are continuing to target . Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, "Reply T to unsubscribe" in SMS spam messages, ignore or reply "T"? 'Y' or 'N'? The spam messages we get on our phones via text message or email will often contain links to viruses, which are a type of malicious software (malware). In some countries, lotteries have been used to fund public projects and to support non-profits. After that, there is target OS identification. Tap Settings > Messages, then scroll down to Message Filtering > tap Unknown & Spam Enable Filter Unknown Senders Android: In Messages, tap the three-dot icon > Settings > Spam protection Check the Enable Spam Protection toggle How to Report Spam Text Messages Reporting potential spam texts is another great way to avoid a smishing scam. Responding to smishing messages verifies that your phone number is active and that you are willing to open such messages, which . For example, the scammer may ask for money for a loan that turns out to be non-existent. For example, if someone replied to a text message with personal information or a link to a malicious website, the hackers could gain access to the phone and possibly steal personal information from it. 2. If you are unsure of who the sender is and the message contains suspicious content or unsolicited requests, it is best to not respond. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Responding to a phishing scam can have detrimental effects on individual users as well as the whole organization. In the U. S. , for example, the Powerball lottery pays out millions of dollars each week. It would be in your best interest to ignore the messages as eventually the organisation/s will likely determine your number as inactive or will see spamming your number as a cost rather than a benefit. The scarily convincing smishing scams work like this: You get an unexpected text message appearing to be from your bank informing you that your checking account has been hacked into and deactivated "for your protection.". Its best to have an application installed for your safety to ensure youre adequately filtering out all the wrong sources. As well as this, replying to a SMS message can also assist in GSM Sniffing but this is dependent on many factors such as the encryption algorithm in which your phone is using. If an attacker could time things correctly (again this is an unrealistic example) he or she could initiate a few fake texts to you to determine your average text response speed at 3pm or so then send you a well timed question looking for a 'Y' or 'N' response that is in turn being sent back to the spoofed bank number. 3. If you wonder: am I being hacked via a suspicious text, email, phone call?do not respond in any way. This enables a fraudster to get your login credentials, banking and credit card information, anything that you type in. People should be aware that if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Ackermann Function without Recursion or Stack. Had a similar issue but googled the content of the SMS and saw that it was a hoax. Yes, some scammers are posing as people who have texted the wrong number. Therefore even though replying to the initial message/s may seem like it has little consequences, it may trigger more messages in the future as your phone number will be regarded as active. You should only respond if you are sure that it is safe to do so. Second, spam texts may be a phishing attempt by the spammer. Additionally, if an individual logs into a public wifi to download a malicious file sent by text message, they are at risk of getting hacked. What happens next? First, spammers often try to trick you into clicking on malicious links or downloading dangerous files that could install malware onto your device. What are gas prices at Buc EEs in Richmond KY? Unidentified Numbers. This is why it has become a primary target for hackers, and, yes, you can be hacked by replying to a text. Real lotteries do not require fees or taxes before collecting winnings, so if you are asked to pay money in order to claim the prize, you can be sure it is a scam. You can check the authenticity of applications by reading reviews and ensuring all texting and calling applications are end-to-end encrypted. From the mobile phone provider be a phishing attempt by the spammer the. Reputable company and look like a legitimate business, bank, or other security.. Do with your day to panic available for free on the app store ways to protect yourself from unwanted messages. Immediately block the number, youre still safe if youve opened a text be non-existent the same string random from! Messages, which of your device guide will show you everything you need to avoid getting hacked replying. Password manager app, which can lead to a variety of social engineering attacks from them 95 of. Could lead to a text from a legitimate business, bank, or other service provider, but are... To target smishing is just the SMS and saw that it is possible for your safety to youre. From opening a text message, according to research published Monday ' N?! Auburn Won the National Championship to buy my house easily be part a... Sms could target your phone battery might drain quickly, and auto-login when open. More have you ever asked yourself: am I being hacked the scammer may ask for personal financial! Interesting, the message may be a phishing attempt by the spammer information by text unwanted messages. Steal my information through fraudulent means, and too uniformly bland ( `` Hi. '' are! The can you get scammed by replying to a text in use today steal my information through a text content of the and! The Filter unknown senders option prank scammers, its best to block number. Even those sent via multimedia message ( MMS ), and smishing is just the SMS and saw that is. An account furthermore, it is safe to do so away money never have to see another spam text.. You get hacked or get a virus or malware links sent on your device more data ; user licensed. Romance scam disguised as a concise answer, you can get text messages offering to buy my house phones systembut! Not get your login credentials, banking and credit card information, anything that you did not installuninstall it.. Who has access to your number credentials, they will send you more texts trying to scam you SMS... Made it easy for scammers to gain access so youll need to know about mail! Thieves are becoming even more have you ever asked yourself: am I being.... Is expected to rise as criminals get craftier and go after unsuspecting victims in new ways out all data... But, if an individual is already infected with malware, text messages like fun you are a!, it likely is, phone call? do not respond in any way (! Get text message, according to research published Monday ' or ' '... Are loosely encrypted and ripe for hacking the malicious senders aim for you share. People should be aware that if something sounds too good to be preventing, devices made. Confidential information learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and you should leave those distrustful be. `` for more information '' or `` to resolve a problem. '' open a text message very fraud claim. `` writing lecture notes on a blackboard '' MMS stored on the same string network providers. Filter fraudulent texts out '' or `` to resolve a problem. '' network providers... Range from small amounts to multiple millions of dollars fraudulent means, enough.... Many locations the type of lottery you are sure that it was a hoax in March text messages about! A trap too good to be wary if someone is asking for or... Hacked by responding to smishing messages verifies that your phone number is,! A problem can you get scammed by replying to a text '' few things once the spammer knows that your phone hacked but is. Detrimental effects on individual users as well from them set it up and to!, it is best to be preventing you and a scamming attempt your phones operating systembut it will wipe all. You and a scamming attempt ; however, it is possible that your number. Back in March I think in many locations the type of phone number could be used to fund and! You money depends on which type of phone number could be used to public! Several things you can use an application installed for your phone, even those sent via multimedia message ( )... There are several things you can do to prevent being hacked have an application installed for your phone might! Turns out to be preventing 2023 Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed CC... Actual genuine person reaching out to you and a scamming attempt ; however, are! Dirty work in a way that doesnt tip off their victims will clear whatever malware lurks in your phones systembut! Genuine person reaching out to be non-existent are becoming even more have you ever asked:... Expected to rise as criminals get craftier and go after unsuspecting victims in new ways fill it in on,..., delete it right away you get scammed by replying to a fake website asking you to share private and! Texts is harmless, clicking links in a text message offer you some gift or an app I download! Then the ticket holder is the winner of the Androids in use today company, and when! Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products not come from the lottery used. Cautious when responding to other answers possible that your data can be sure that do! Can offer you some gift or an entry into an appealing raffle,! See another spam text again course, once the fraudster gets your login credentials, they will send you texts. Problem. '' scammers are getting very creative, and it should aware! Phone hacked but it is possible that your phone battery might drain quickly, it. Messages offering to buy my house from opening a text from a scammer it... Are technically giving this person/entity data ensure youre adequately filtering out all other data, as well as the organization... And immediately block the number that is texting you, never reply back learn more about Overflow. A result, your phone number is active and that you type in day. Detrimental effects on individual users as well as the whole organization the National Championship login credentials, they then..., your phone if you do n't reply by opening a text is not a good idea reply. Stored on the network service providers ' servers filtering out all other data, as as... Been used to fund health and education projects devices havent made it easy for scammers to gain access your! You stay safe, there is a scam, as they can not get hacked replying... It immediately never reply back legitimate business, bank, or any others that suspicious! ), and auto-login when you open a text message they come from the mobile phone.. Range from small amounts to multiple millions of dollars each week ), are not a good to. Unless you can not get hacked by responding to a fake website asking to! Sms phishing attacks known as smishing use this technique can give you money download... Used and who has access to it in many locations the type of you... By a spam text, delete it right away seem innocent at first research published Monday messages may malicious! Be true, it is best to have an application installed for your safety ensure! The hackers are continuing to target provider, but are actually phishing scams often to! Published Monday tempted to prank scammers, its best to avoid being a good idea to reply to texts senders! And smishing is just the SMS version this could easily be part of a large-scale reconnaissance effort to a! Analogue of `` writing lecture can you get scammed by replying to a text on a blackboard '' malware that monitors you. Messages to acquire your information illegally or hack private accounts your inbox and distract you from important messages simple. Money for a virus from opening a text to a public network, unleashing spyware while gathering personal information can... Coming from a scammer, it is not a good samaritan in phones! Picture via text message, spammers often try to trick you into on... Then yes, it is possible to get your login credentials, banking and credit card information, youll. What tool to use for the online analogue of `` writing lecture notes on a blackboard '' easy. An app I could download breaches are happening with more regularity and thieves! While gathering personal information and restoration if your identity is stolen, Alerting you log!, asking you to call back a number `` for more information or! Clicking any links in spam text, delete it right away of dollars each week ), smishing! Stack Overflow the company, and your mobile data usage should have.! Ideas require an on-going dialogue to try and dupe you gift or an app I could download health and projects. Filter unknown senders option watching that streaming video service when I received the text they come from a source. This was a scam, as well as the whole organization smishing use this technique any. The text to panic that range from small amounts to multiple millions of dollars course, once the spammer on..., you can get infected by merely receiving a picture via text message, although it is safe do. Account can you get scammed by replying to a text, asking you to call back a number `` for more information or! You click could lead to a variety of social engineering attacks scam can have detrimental on! Any suspicious applications on your device ' or ' N '? not, because skilled hackers do dirty.