Replying to the wrong text could cost you as AI becomes smarter
Smartphone Scams: How Text Messages Could Cost You
Decades of SMS Fraud
- Unpaid toll alerts – “Click now to pay your balance.”
- Package delivery warnings – “Please schedule a redelivery or provide payment.”
- Job recruiter messages – “Give your SSN for a background check.”
In 2023, U.S. consumers lost $470 million to scam texts—four times more than in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
AI Makes Scams More Realistic
Virginia Tech professor Murat Kantarcioglu explains that artificial intelligence can create:
- Fake parking ticket messages that claim to come from the DMV.
- Hyper‑realistic photos of a car allegedly running a red light.
- Synthetic audio that imitates a loved one, opening the door to emotionally manipulative scams.
Protecting Yourself from SMS Fraud
Beware Misused Contact Information
With 98 percent of U.S. citizens owning a cell phone, scammers can target a broad audience. Text messages capture attention more effectively than email, making them an attractive channel.
Scammers often use the names of trusted companies to entice users into providing:
- Bank account numbers
- Social Security numbers
- Credit card details
Some links install malware that harvests sensitive information without alerting the device owner.
Check Your Sources
Never respond to unverified texts or click links based solely on a text message. Scammers can craft realistic messages either because they have background information or because they simply get lucky.
Report the Scam
Victims often hesitate to report scams due to embarrassment, but reporting can prevent further harm.
- Notify your credit card company or bank immediately.
- Report the scam to law enforcement.
