How to Spot Sneaky Text Scams: Protect Yourself Now

The Brief

Currently, the top impersonation fraud going around is a deception aimed at getting you to purchase gift cards and subsequently provide them with the serial numbers.
Various criminal methods aim to grab your attention via your cellphone, such as using believable AI-generated videos.

(FOX 9) - If you have a cell phone, you’ve probably been inundated with spam messages saying you owe money. The methods criminals are using to steal your personal and financial data are becoming more and more sophisticated.

Ways to identify and alert about fraudulent SMS messages

What we know

Currently, a frequent message doing rounds originates from an unidentified source claiming that you have outstanding toll fees. The communication warns that failure to settle these dues may result in consequences such as fines or even legal proceedings against you.

These messages typically originate from foreign phone numbers or email addresses unaffiliated with your state’s Department of Transportation. Other frequent spoofing scams involve promises such as winning prizes or receiving assistance with paying off student loans.

The originator might pose as a colleague. These fraudsters request you to buy gift cards and provide them with the serial codes. Phony invoices along with fake package delivery alerts are likewise frequent texting scams that spread around.

A video created by artificial intelligence that closely resembles both Kevin Costner's appearance and voice has been circulating widely across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The fraudsters will go as far as generating documents to attempt convincing others that it truly is him.

This AI-generated video will keep asking the recipient for money while pretending to be deeply in love with them.

By the numbers

In the country, Minnesota stands at number 12 regarding consumers who report impostor scams.

And the median loss amounts to roughly $800.

"Today, computers have become weapons, and so have cell phones; this is precisely what they are utilizing," explains Boima Freeman, who serves as a Senior Financial Fraud Investigator for the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

"These individuals are criminals, and they excel at their activities," says Jacqueline Olson, the Enforcement Assistant Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

What you can do

“If they want to keep it confidential and instruct you to act quickly, everybody needs to stop,” states Olson. “If someone calls you asking you to buy a gift card, remember that gift cards are meant solely as presents. Neither the FBI nor the IRS would ever request payment via a gift card,” explains Freeman.

Watch out for warning signs; the phone number isn’t listed in your contact list, it’s an international number, and the message begins requesting your banking details or demands remote control of your PC.

The Federal Trade Commission offers details on identifying scams as well as guidance on reporting them. here.