Americans Lost $470 Million to Text Scams in 2024. Here’s How to Protect Yourself

American consumers lost $ 470 million for fraudsters who started with fake text messages Federal Trade Commission data released on Wednesday.

The losses were marked by a 26% increase of $ 373 million and a total of 85 million dollars of $ 85 million in 2020. FTC says most financial cheaters are lost for benches because most financial scammers are lost for benches and represent only part of the actual money lost for benches.

At the same time, the number of scammers in the past four stated that it fell from 332,000 to 247,000 to 247,000 to 247,000 last year, as the amount of money falling into the scams reported.

Dotted texts became more popular in recent years, because consumers get away from traditional e-mail and laptop and instead of their phones. In addition, if the minimalist nature and hidden, links used in text, texting, are sent more than cunning messages rather than mentioned as traditional emails.

The most common text scams reported in 2024, Cybercriminals, cybercriminals such as a large retailer such as Amazon, was a package company like a shipping company or a large retailer as a large retailer. They send messages by claiming that there is a problem with delivery. They can say that it is a problem for this to pay for it or re-sending the delivery address.

Includes other common cheats Fake job opportunitiesStarting with easy online business offers, but often include so-called task benches that include their own money “investment” targets. Other messages receive fake fraud alerts that claim to be an unauthorized access to credit cards or bank accounts. Unpaid paid scores They also became popular with cybercriminals in recent months.

In addition, some Romance cheats From a seemingly good message to the wrong number, then the skammer strikes the conversation with a potential victim and has a try to make an online connection over time, as a result, asked them,

Regardless of Scammer’s Square, the messages are trying to buy the buyer to buy money or buy kriptovurrBank or credit card information, most individual information such as login credentials or social security numbers for online accounts.

Tips to prevent text scammers

Do not hit links in unwanted texts. Although a text seems to actually come from your bank or favorite store, you are better than instead of the company’s website instead of not clicking the link.

Think twice before handing over sensitive data. Both Wish is an email, text or phone callThink before handing out your personal or financial information. Is the company or person really need the person who requires it? Even if the demand is legal, the less your information is, the better.

Set up text filters and block known cheat numbers. You can do this Apple or Android By phone or wireless carrier. Third-party call blocking apps can also stop messages. Need help? FTC recommends consulting Honorary.

Report cunning messages. You can do this through Apple or Android messaging application, but you can copy the message and send 7726 (spam). This will help to place a wireless carrier and block future scenery messages. Messages can also be reported to FTC ReportFraud.Ftc.gov.