Holiday Scams Are on the Rise: Protect Your Phone and Wallet

Consumers are increasingly receiving texts, and among them are text scams. Protecting yourself is essential to avoid the loss of hard-earned money or, worse, identity theft. Below are some solid strategies to keep your phone (and wallet) safe:

• Don’t Click Links From Unknown Senders
  Scammers love sending “free gift,” “urgent package,” or “bank alert” messages. Those links can steal information or install malware. When in doubt, delete—it costs nothing and can save you a lot.
• Never Share Personal or Financial Information
  Legitimate companies don’t ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or verification codes via text. If a message asks for anything sensitive, that’s a major red flag.
• Verify Using Official Channels
  Instead of replying to a text, visit the company’s official website or call their verified customer-service number. A quick manual check is free and protects you from costly mistakes.
• Block and Report Scammers
  Most phones allow you to block numbers and report spam texts. This helps keep your line cleaner and reduces future junk.
• Watch for Urgency or Threats
  Scammers try to panic you with warnings like “your account will be closed in 24 hours.” Real organizations don’t operate like that.
• Turn On Spam Filters
  Both Android and iPhone offer built-in spam protection, and carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T also provide complimentary spam-blocking tools.
• Avoid Responding—even to “STOP”
  Replying signals your number is active, which can actually increase scam messages. Silence is the safest approach.
• Use Two-Factor Authentication Wisely
  Enable 2FA on all important accounts, but never share verification codes with anyone—even if they claim to be from a company.
• Google Suspicious Messages
  Copying and pasting a strange text into a search often shows whether others have flagged it as a scam. It’s quick, free, and surprisingly effective.