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Scam text messages were No. 1 on News 8 On Your Side consumer investigator Brian Roche’s list of the Top 8 Scams of 2021.
The scam shows no signs of slowing down in the new year, but a Susquehanna Valley woman avoided becoming a victim because she recognized the signs.
The woman received a text message that appeared to be from M&T Bank and claimed to be a security update.
The message informed the intended victim that a “payee” was added automatically, meaning someone may be receiving money from the account.
There was a link and the line, “If you did this action, do not reply.”
The scammer is hoping the recipient clicks on that link. The victim may then be asked for account or personal information, or malware could be downloaded on their device.
These text scams continue to grow because the bad guys realize you have their best weapon right in your hand – your cell phone.
Never respond to an unsolicited text message or email with a link in it.
If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
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