A Costly Text Message
Emma received an urgent text, supposedly from her daughter who lost her phone, requesting $800 for a replacement. Overwhelmed by worry, Emma sent the money without verifying. She then discovered it was a scam when her real daughter knew nothing about it.
1. Urgency – “Act Now, or Lose Something”
How It Works:
- “Your bank account has been compromised! Verify your identity within two hours, or your funds will be frozen.”
- “Your payment has been completed.” (when you know you never bought the item)
How to Spot It:
- Contact the company directly using official contact info, such as calling on a trusted phone number or using the company’s mobile app.
- Look for vague details in the message—legitimate companies provide specifics, not threats.
2. Fear – “Something Bad Will Happen”
Cybercriminals use fear to create panic, pushing victims to act without thinking.
How It Works:
- “This is the government. You owe back taxes and must pay immediately, or you’ll be arrested.”
- “A virus has been detected on your device! Call this number for support.”
How to Spot It:
- Government agencies don’t threaten via text or email.
- Tech companies won’t reach out to fix your computer.
3. Curiosity – “You Won’t Believe This!”
Scammers exploit curiosity by using shocking or enticing messages.
How It Works:
- “Is this a video of you? ” (with a malicious link)
- “Breaking news! Huge celebrity scandal—click here to see.”
- “Your friend tagged you in a crazy post!”
How to Spot It:
- Be skeptical of sensational messages.
- Verify with the sender before clicking anything.
4. Trust & Authority – “This is Someone You Know”
Cybercriminals pretend to be trusted figures—bosses, banks, or even loved ones.
How It Works:
- “Hi Mom, it’s me! I lost my phone. Can you send money?”
- “This is your boss. I need you to purchase gift cards for an office event.”
- “We detected suspicious activity in your account. Click to secure it now.”
How to Spot It:
- Create a secret passphrase with family members to verify each other’s identity.
- Look for vague details—scammers often don’t know your name or mailing address.
- Be wary of unusual requests—especially those involving money or sensitive info.
5. Excitement & Greed – “You’ve Won Something Amazing!”
Too-good-to-be-true scams prey on people’s desire for rewards or attention.
How It Works:
- “Congratulations! You’ve won a free iPhone—claim it now!”
How to Spot It:
- If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win. Legitimate companies don’t ask for fees to claim prizes.
- Be wary of strangers who persistently push something “too good to be true” or express romantic feelings too quickly.
The next time you get an urgent text or phone call, stop, think, and verify before taking action. Don’t let emotions be your weakness!
For tips on staying safe from cybercriminals, visit www.sans.org. Please share this valuable resource with your friends and family.