According to Nanaimo RCMP, during the holidays, there is typically an uptick in various fraud schemes, including text scams.
Police say it is common around this time of year for false and misleading text messages to be sent by con artists which are meant to fool people into thinking they are legitimate.
“The risk of getting hacked via a text message is less than other means,” said Nanaimo RCMP in a media release.
“However, you may be exposed to the risk of hacking or malware if you click on an unknown or malicious link or download a suspicious attachment.”
Nanaimo listed the following as “red flags” to consider in a text from an unknown source:
- Never click on links or respond to text messages from unknown individuals
- Watch for abnormally long phone numbers in text messages (more than 10 digits)
- Watch for spelling mistakes in the text or the URL provided
- If a message is received claiming to be from a company that you frequently do business with (i.e. Costco, BC Hydro, Telus, etc.) do not respond to the message—go to their official website and respond accordingly
- If expecting an update on a recent transaction and you think the message may be legitimate, try reaching out to the company on their website
- Watch for text messages from family members requesting money due to an emergency
- If you receive a text or email claiming to be from a bank or financial institution, do not respond to the phone number provided. Again, go to their website or call the number on the back of your credit or debit card
- Block the phone number associated to the bogus text message
- Share the text message with friends so they don’t fall for it
“Remember: If in doubt, throw it out and, if it’s slick, don’t click,” concluded Nanaimo RCMP.
For more information on specific scams, and ways to avoid falling victim to text scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website.
