Bogus cell phone text messages
Phone phishers--unscrupulous callers who direct victims to a phony Website--have changed their tune: Now they're using cell phone text messaging to lure you in.
One recent bogus message sent to cell users in southwest Missouri warned recipients that their bank accounts had expired and that they should register at a website. Crooks count on tricking a small percentage of uneducated consumers into releasing their account information, with disastrous consequences.
Internet scams--particularly those that originate overseas--are difficult to track down and prosecute. Your best bet is to stay alert and know how to protect yourself. Australian-based SCAMwatch.gov.au offers tips to stay safe:
Stay alert. Don't reply to text messages that come from numbers you don't recognize or from people who aren't your contacts. That applies to missed calls, too.
Beware numbers that begin with 1-900. These are premium numbers typically charged at a high rate. You may be charged just for receiving a message from 1-900 numbers And if you're asked to reply to these messages by typing "X" and hitting the send button, you may be charged for a text message to a 1-900 number. Immediately call your carrier to complain.
Don't show interest. Simply replying to a scammer opens the floodgates to receiving similar messages and calls.
Check with friends first. Some text messages sound like they're from friends, but they're not. If the message is suspect, ask friends if they called or sent you a text message before you reply.
If you think you're a victim of a text message scam, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov, or call 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357).
