What should I do if I get the message? (2024)

FAQs

Can anything bad happen from answering a text? ›

Malware: responding to a text can potentially allow malware to get installed on your device, which can gather personal information. Unwanted charges: because message and data rates may apply to any text exchange, you may notice unwanted charges on your next cell phone bill due to your interaction with the scammers.

The obvious answer would be just not to click on unsolicited, unknown text messages. If you spot one of those, you should delete it or even report it as junk to your carrier and/or OS allows you to.

Block the number if they keep replying to you.

Blocking is the easiest way to get rid of these pesky messages; thankfully, smartphones have special settings that let you block calls and texts from a specific number.

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.

Don't reply to text messages from unknown numbers.

It could lead to a scam.

You can't get hacked by simply replying to a text. However, engaging with a hacker in any way will make it more likely that you get hacked. They'll find a way to fool you and make you click a link, which is what leads to you getting hacked.

You can't get scammed just by opening a spam text so long as you don't reply, click on links or share any personal information. Receiving the message and opening it doesn't mean you've interacted with the scammer. Be careful not to accidentally click any links within when you open the message.

Clicking a phishing link in a spam text message can open your phone to security threats. If you don't enter any information or accept any downloads, your data may be safe. On the other hand, it's possible that suspicious files and malware were downloaded to your device through that malicious link.

Sometimes they're trying to get your personal information, other times they want to take your money. The FCC said other times the scammer wants to make sure your phone number is active to use in a scam at a later date. The federal government provides a list of warning signs for scam messages, also called smishing.

Why am I getting spam texts? If you start receiving spam texts, someone is likely trying to get ahold of your personal information. Because of this, it's crucial that you block and report the number without responding.

What to do if a random number texts you? ›

Directly replying to a spam text message lets a spammer know that your number is genuine. After you reply, they can sell your phone number to other spammers who might bombard you with false promises of free gifts and product offers. Instead, it's best to block and report the number.

Clicking a phishing link in a spam text message can open your phone to security threats. If you don't enter any information or accept any downloads, your data may be safe.

“It could be busyness (feeling overwhelmed with messages) or underlying anxieties that lead someone to be a bad replier,” she explains. “Sometimes it can also be about control – when we feel anxious and overwhelmed, we might try to take control of the situation i.e. 'It's up to me when I get back to someone'.

One of the biggest cons of texting is that it can be emotionless. You don't get to hear someone's tone of voice or see their facial expressions, which can lead to misunderstandings. Additionally, some people use text messaging as a way to avoid difficult conversations, which can create even more issues.