FTC Warns Consumers About A New Texting Scam

The Federal Trade Commission recently discovered a new scam. This one comes to you via a text saying that your email account and been hacked and to reactivate your account you need to text back a word or phrase they give you.

What these scammers are after is your personal information. By texting the number back you are giving them the key they need to unlock your identity.

So what does the Federal Trade Commission suggest you do?

Don’t text back. Legitimate companies won’t ask you to verify your identity through unsecure channels, like text or email.

Don’t click on any links within the message. Links can install malware on your device, and take you to spoof sites to try to get your information.

Report the message to your cell phone carrier’s spam text reporting number. If you’re an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint or Bell customer, you can forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) free of charge.