Is it safe to answer unknown texts?
The act of texting back an unknown number poses ZERO security threats. However, it does lets the person or machine at the other number know that they have reached a working number. Clicking text link may expose you to scam attempts and possibly drive by malware.
What happens if you answer an unknown text?
You may be tempted to answer, but experts said a response or the wrong move could give hackers access to your private information. The texts are comprised of seemingly normal conversation starters, like “good evening! What are you doing?”
Can a scammer get your info if you reply to a text?
No, you cannot get hacked by replying to a scam text, but you can get hacked from a scam text if you click on a malicious link the scammer sends you.
Can opening an unknown text be harmful?
Don't “click” open links in unsolicited text messages. Clicking the link may infect your mobile device with a virus or malware designed to steal the personal or financial information stored on the device. Don't call a telephone number listed in an unsolicited text message.
Is it safe to answer a text from someone you don t know?
If you do get a message that might be suspicious, even ones that say you can text STOP to end the communications, the FCC says to not respond, and block any messages that come in, and the related phone numbers or emails.
What happens if you answer an unknown text?
You may be tempted to answer, but experts said a response or the wrong move could give hackers access to your private information. The texts are comprised of seemingly normal conversation starters, like “good evening! What are you doing?”
Is it safe to answer a text from someone you don t know?
If you do get a message that might be suspicious, even ones that say you can text STOP to end the communications, the FCC says to not respond, and block any messages that come in, and the related phone numbers or emails.
What can a scammer do with my phone number?
Savvy scammers know that by hijacking your mobile phone number they can assume your identity, intercept security protocols sent to your phone, and gain access to your financial and social media accounts. One way to hijack your phone number is through a porting-out scam.
Can you get a virus from texting an unknown number?
The act of texting back an unknown number poses ZERO security threats. However, it does lets the person or machine at the other number know that they have reached a working number. Clicking text link may expose you to scam attempts and possibly drive by malware.
Can you get a virus from a text message?
Can hackers look through your texts?
Reading text messages from another phone without detection on Android devices can be challenging due to the platform's robust security features. While there are apps and software claiming to offer this functionality, they often require device rooting, which can void warranties and expose the device to security risks.
What happens if you accidentally open a spam text?
If you ever tap the link in that message, it'll very likely to try to install malware like a virus, spyware, or ransomware on your mobile device. Once the malware is installed in your smartphone, it has the ability to obtain sensitive information (like your credit/debit card).
What does an unknown text mean?
According to the cybersecurity and anti-virus provider Kaspersky, text messages sent from an unknown number could be an SMS phishing attack, known as “smishing.”
What happens if you answer an unknown text?
You may be tempted to answer, but experts said a response or the wrong move could give hackers access to your private information. The texts are comprised of seemingly normal conversation starters, like “good evening! What are you doing?”
Is it safe to answer a text from someone you don t know?
If you do get a message that might be suspicious, even ones that say you can text STOP to end the communications, the FCC says to not respond, and block any messages that come in, and the related phone numbers or emails.
What do you reply to a scammer?
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Is it rude to ignore a text from a stranger?
i think so, yes. unless that message is abusive in nature, in which case it's best to ignore it. but it is pretty rude not to reply to someone within a few hours. i mean, how hard is it, right? and you're acting as though they don't exist when you don't reply.
Is it OK to text a stranger?
Chatting with strangers can be OK as long as you are aware of the risks and take appropriate safety precautions. You may want to choose reputable chat sites or apps and never give personal details. Remember to follow any required chat rules and use common sense to safeguard your safety.
Why are random people texting me?
Why am I getting spam text messages? There are many ways spammers get hold of your cell phone number so they can send SMS spam and sales texts: They may use technology to generate numbers automatically — so even if you have a brand-new number, you can still receive both robocalls and robotexts.
Why am I getting unknown text messages?
Random texts from unknown numbers are typically scams. I've been receiving weird texts from an unknown number which only contains random letters and numbers as well as my number, what is it?
What does an unknown text mean?
According to the cybersecurity and anti-virus provider Kaspersky, text messages sent from an unknown number could be an SMS phishing attack, known as “smishing.”
Can a scammer access my bank account with my phone number?
Having just your phone number doesn't give scammers direct access to your bank account. However, they can use it as a starting point for phishing attacks or SIM swap scams. If they succeed in these methods, they could potentially access your bank's 2FA codes sent via SMS.
Can I get scammed by giving out my phone number?
Once scammers know your number, they can target you with phishing texts and calls, or trick you into downloading malware and giving up personal information. And once they gain access to your personally identifiable information (PII), it doesn't take much more to access your financial (and other sensitive) accounts.
Can a scammer track me with my phone number?
Unfortunately, yes. From finding your physical location to uncovering personal information, anyone with access to your phone number is able to stalk you and discover your exact location. It's also very hard to determine whether or not your phone is being tracked or monitored.
How do you check if your phone has a virus?
A good way to check for malware on your Android phone is to run an antivirus scan. Before buying antivirus software for your phone, make sure you consider the most comprehensive product that's available for your device. There are many antivirus software choices available on the market. Some are free, and some are sold.
Can someone track my phone by texting me?
It is possible for someone to find your location by texting you if they have access to your phone's location information or if you share your location with them. For example, if you receive a text message with a link to a location, clicking on the link could allow the sender to track your location.