Why did the scammer say “Hi, how are you?” Because saying “I’m here to steal your information” didn’t have the same ring to it! All jokes aside, scammers are getting sneakier, and sometimes all it takes is a simple greeting to get you hooked. Let’s dive into the latest scam making waves—the “friendly greeting” phishing scam—and how you can protect yourself from falling into the trap.
Scammers are sending deceptive text messages that seem like friendly greetings from someone you know. These messages can trick you into revealing personal information or clicking on harmful links that infect your device with malware. It’s becoming a common phishing scam that’s easy to fall for, but even easier to avoid with a few simple steps.
How It Works:
The “friendly greeting” phishing scam begins with a text message or chat that seems innocent, like “Hi, how are you?” or “Is this [your name]?” Sometimes it’s even personalized to make it seem more genuine. If you reply, the scammer will engage you in conversation, slowly gaining your trust. The ultimate goal? Get you to click a malicious link or share personal information, which can lead to identity theft or even financial fraud.
- Step 1: Scammer sends a short, friendly message that feels familiar.
- Step 2: If you respond, they’ll continue chatting and may eventually ask for personal information or send a harmful link.
- Step 3: Clicking the link can download malware or direct you to a fake site designed to steal your data.
Who’s Targeted:
This scam typically targets anyone with a smartphone or chat app, but people who are less familiar with phishing tactics—like seniors or those who trust messages that seem personal—are at higher risk. Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Signal are common places for this scam to occur.
Real-Life Example:
A New York resident recently received a message saying, “Hi, is this [your name]? I have something important to discuss with you.” Thinking it was a colleague, they replied. The scammer then sent a link, claiming it was a document they needed to sign. Unfortunately, the link installed malware on their phone, giving the scammer access to sensitive data, including banking details.
Why You Should Care:
Responding to these innocent-looking messages can lead to serious consequences. Once a scammer gains access to your personal data, they can:
- Steal your identity: Using your info to open credit accounts or take out loans in your name.
- Drain your bank accounts: Access your financial information and commit fraudulent transactions.
- Infect your device with malware: Spy on your activity or hold your data ransom.
These risks don’t just affect your wallet—they can leave you feeling vulnerable and stressed, with months (or even years) of damage control to do.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Don’t respond to unknown numbers: If you get a message from someone you don’t recognize, delete it. Don’t engage in any conversation.
- Report junk messages: Use your phone’s “report junk” option or forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM). The more these scams are reported, the easier it is to stop them.
- Block the sender: If you get a phishing message, block the number or email address to prevent further contact.
- Think before you click: If a message contains a link, don’t click it—especially if it’s unsolicited. Always verify the sender through another means before clicking on any links.
- Stay cautious: If something feels off, trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to ignore or delete a message that seems suspicious.
Quick Tips:
- Did you know? Forwarding spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) helps your mobile carrier identify and block new phishing attempts.
- Pro Tip: Scammers often pretend to be someone you know. Verify their identity by reaching out through another method, like calling or texting a number you trust.
Have you ever received a suspicious text or phishing message? Share your experience with us! Your insights could help others avoid falling for the same trick.
The next time you get a friendly “Hi, how are you?” from an unknown number, think twice before replying. Scammers rely on your curiosity and trust to steal your information—but with the right precautions, you can stop them in their tracks.
Stay safe, stay informed,
Key Terms Explained:
- Phishing: A scam where fraudsters trick people into revealing personal or financial information by pretending to be a trusted source.
- Malware: Malicious software designed to harm or steal data from your device.
- Ransomware: A type of malware that locks your device or data until a ransom is paid.
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