Why am I getting random text messages from numbers I don’t recognize?

Many of us have gotten calls or text messages from phone numbers that we don’t recognize. Oftentimes they are pretty easy to recognize, with fake links, mispronounced words or phrases, or overall really bad grammar. Today, however, these messages are getting more creative. Using deceptive language, disguised as an authoritative figure, or simply pretending to be someone they’re not. 

What do scam messages look like:

Scam messages come in all shapes and sizes, growing more sophisticated and convincing with each passing year. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics to catch people off guard, often using urgent language, emotional appeals, or impersonating trusted brands to get your attention. Some common examples to watch out for include:

Amazon Packages

Scammers will text you a fake 6 digit pin. The idea is to trick you into thinking that someone else requested a 6 digit pin to bypass some measure of security to gain access to your account. This is designed to induce panic in the victim, making them click the link, and enter some security questions. While the victim is led to believe that they are recovering their account, they’re actually handing it right to the scammer. While the website may look like Amazon, it’s actually a well crafted landing page designed to trick you into thinking it’s Amazon. 

Job Offers

It’s no secret that the job market is scarce. Scammers know that, and will attempt to exploit those who are desperate and trying to fend for themselves in the competitive job market. You may have seen a text from someone that has an enticing job offer for you, often offering “completely remote” or “paid daily wages…” without specifying the company, location, or anything. They may even use fake names to sound more personal. The easiest way to tell if something like this is a scam is if there is no company name mentioned. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

Toll Trolls

If you’ve ever commuted to Seattle, then you’re familiar with the 520 toll bridge. If you’ve ever crossed that bridge, then you may have received a text from someone who is allegedly the WSDOT, threatening fines or legal action if you don’t click the link to pay your bill. If you click the link, you’ll be sent to a website that’s all set to go, waiting for you to enter your credit card information. The simplest way to know if this is a scam is to follow up with the WSDOT on their website from a separate device, independent of the text message. Even if you call the WSDOT, they’ll state, “if you have received a text message regarding a payment, ignore it, we don’t send text messages.”

Wrong Numbers

Some scammers try to take a more personal approach. They will text you, acting as if they have meant to text someone else. Oftentimes using names or unrelated context to sound legit. Saying something like “Hey Dave, where are you?” or even just a simple “Hello”. This is intended to appeal to the curiosity of the victim, inciting them to be friendly with a “hey, you got the wrong number.” These conversations often start innocent, but lead to scammers trying to divulge personal information out of you. These scams are more dangerous because they take time, and play off of the psychological needs of their victims for connection. Since the Covid, there’s been an epidemic of loneliness, with people being desperate to make connections. Scammers offer that connection, but at the cost of your financials, personal information, or even your dignity.  

How do they get my information?

The next logical question to ask yourself is, “how did these scammers get my number in the first place?” Unfortunately, the answer to that question has many layers. One method scammers find you is data breaches, where personal information, including contact details, is exposed online. Another source is from social media, where users frequently share their numbers publicly and personal contact. Additionally, participating in contests, giveaways, or other organizations may result in your information being sold to third parties without your knowledge. 

How can I spot a scam?

Each year, spotting scams becomes more challenging as scammers develop increasingly creative tactics. The best way to identify a potential scam is by paying attention to context clues. For example, most legitimate corporations, like Amazon, don’t use standard 10-digit phone numbers for things like password resets or account verification. Instead, they typically send messages from short, 5-6 digit numbers. So if you receive a message from a full-length number that’s claiming to be from someone like Amazon, there is a good chance it’s a scam.

Another helpful strategy is to cross-reference the message with other forms of communication. For instance, if the message is about an Amazon order, a toll payment, or a job offer, you should also expect an official email or letter. Most official organizations will choose those methods before contacting you via text to build a relationship with you, as it’s the more “professional” thing to do. If you haven’t received anything else in your inbox or mailbox, it’s probably best to ignore the text.

You can also check the phone number’s dialing code. If it’s anything other than +1, it’s coming from outside North America. Unless you’re expecting a message from someone overseas, this is a strong sign that the sender may be a scammer attempting to steal your information.

What can I do to stop it?

Unfortunately, once your information is out there, it’s difficult to keep people from using it and trying to sway you. But you yourself can do things in your day to day to try and prevent your information from being leaked in the first place. 

Refrain from posting your personal information on social media platforms. For many this sounds like common sense, but it’s surprising how little it takes for someone’s information to get leaked.

Only provide your contact information to reputable services and organizations. Even then, it’s not a guarantee that your info will never get leaked. Even allegedly official sites and sources can turn around and sell your information to the highest bidder for a quick penny, thwarting all your efforts to stay safe online. With that, be conservative about how and who you share your information with. 

Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe

As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers. What once were obvious attempts at fraud are now cleverly disguised messages that prey on urgency, emotion, and curiosity. While it’s nearly impossible to stop all unsolicited texts, being informed is your strongest defense. Understanding how scammers operate, recognizing red flags, and being cautious with your personal information can go a long way in protecting yourself. Always pause before clicking a link, sharing details, or responding to unknown numbers. 

If you’re reading this, and realizing that you have shared your personal information with a scammer, follow up with the organization related to the information that was stolen. If you gave someone your credit card information, cancel that card and order a new one as soon as you can. If it’s a piece of identity you gave away, you can contact the IRS to prevent people from cashing in your checks. You can also report scam texts to the FTC, as it’s their job to protect people from these kinds of scams. 

The more proactive you are about guarding your information, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to simply delete the message and move on.