What to watch out for and how to stop them

One of the best ways to protect your information is to call the company the text message claims to be from. If it’s your bank, call them directly (don’t use the number the text message came from) and ask for their information. Use a bill or statement to find a direct number to call, as a human representative will be able to clarify any issues. Also, don’t click on any links in the text message or respond to them. Even if the text message asks you to respond with “STOP,” don’t do it.

It may seem like a small thing, but keeping your phone’s operating system up to date helps prevent malware from infecting your phone. If the text gives off a sense of urgency, don’t panic. If you ever receive an urgent message from an unknown number, approach it calmly so you can recognize that it’s probably not someone who has your best interests at heart. If the number is only four digits long, it’s likely an SMS text messaging service that scammers use to mask their phone numbers. Most credible companies, as well as your friends and family, won’t use this type of service to contact you.

Always opt for two-factor or multi-factor authentication whenever possible. This provides added security and keeps your data safe from prying eyes. Never provide passwords via SMS. If you need to enter a password or account recovery code, enter it directly into the official app or website it is for.