Text Message stating Unusual activity on … (2024)

FAQs

Why am I getting nonsense text messages? ›

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.

You may be getting spam texts because your phone number has ended up on a marketing list, or because the technology and tools scammers use to spam people generated your number automatically. If you start receiving spam texts, someone is likely trying to obtain your personal information.

If you are getting spam texts, it's more than likely that whoever is sending you a spam text message is trying to get access to your personal information—bank accounts, passwords, social security number, online IDs and more.

A typical smishing scam message may seem like it's from a bank – maybe your bank – and include a link or phone number to bait you into clicking or calling. If you do, you stand a good chance of being hooked.

Those messages basically look like gibberish, as you're getting tons of letters and numbers in no specific order. Chances are that they're arriving this way because they couldn't be encrypted. You can see a sample below. As many of you know, Google Messages uses Rich Communication Services (RCS).

In some cases, yes. Replying to a smishing message can allow malware into your phone or land you some unwanted charges.

Directly replying to a spam text message lets a spammer know that your number is genuine, according to digital security software company Norton. After you reply, they can sell your phone number to other spammers, AARP says.

It could lead to a scam. Delete and report them using your phone's “report junk” option or forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) and unwanted emails to your email provider. Never click links in an unexpected message.

Just opening a text message, even a suspicious one, won't directly infect your device or compromise your data. However, the danger lies in what you do after you open the message. Many scam texts, also known as “smishing” attempts, rely on tricking you into taking an action that puts you at risk.

Is it bad to open a text message from an unknown number? ›

If you receive a text from an unknown number, especially if the content seems odd or too good to be true, don't click any links, do not respond, consider reporting the number as spam, and think about blocking the number.

What is Ghost Touching? Some smart phones, mostly Android lines, have a vulnerability called Ghost Tapping. This is when certain elements can cause phones to act erratically. Dust or water under the screen's protective layer can cause random Ghost Touching.

Defining SMS Spoofing

It's an abbreviation that stands for Short Messaging Service, and it really is just another way to say “texting.” SMS spoofing is the act of altering or flat out replacing the sender's number so that the text appears to be coming from someone else when it arrives at the receiver's phone.

“Congrats! You've won!” This is a common smishing message that makes the victim believe they've won a monetary prize. The link or phone number attached will usually ask for personal information first. If you didn't participate in a contest, you likely didn't win anything.

Spyware or Malicious Apps: Malicious software or spyware installed on your phone can grant unauthorized access to your text messages. Cloud Backups: If you have enabled cloud backups for your text messages, they may be accessible to others if they gain access to your cloud storage account.

You may be suddenly receiving spam texts because a scammer has gotten hold of your number. If you're receiving more spam texts than usual, it could be because you responded to a text which confirmed that your number is active.

Text messages are typically short and lack the context that is present in face-to-face conversations. This brevity can make it challenging to accurately interpret the intended meaning of a message, leading to misunderstandings.

Put the Phone Away

If you're spending time with others, put your phone away. At first, this may make you feel even more anxious, especially if you're waiting for an important text to arrive. However, focusing on who you're with and the present moment is important, and can teach you to combat your triggers.