Again this is something of a fictitious example but the combination of insecure SMS systems in some countries combined with some horribly written systems allowing user SMS input something similar to this could potentially be possible. This is why it has become a primary target for hackers, and, yes, you can be hacked by replying to a text. Something that hasn't been covered in the other answers is messages like these are commonly used to check if a phone number is still active. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. No, you cannot get scammed by merely opening a text message. But, if you are playing a lottery game that offers cash prizes, then yes, lottery can give you money. In such cases, the message may be disguised as coming from a reputable company and look like a legitimate message. You should also be careful of links or requests to download files shared through texts; these could contain malware or any malicious software that may infect your phone and your personal data. Even if it seems like fun you are technically giving this person/entity data. These messages may contain malicious links or ask users to enter confidential information. This is why. So to avoid getting hacked, do not respond. Your phone has all your contacts, voice mails, apps, social media, photos, videos, search historynot to mention that you use it to call, face time, email, video and text. Scam emails: One form of phishing is a scam email, which will look like its from your bank or credit card company, informing you about fraudulent charges or withdrawals. Merely opening the message wouldnt do any harm, but if you click on those suspicious links, you might be redirected to some untrustworthy webpages or sites. Scam artists know this and sometimes target consumers with "phishing" scams via text message or SMS (short message service). If you receive a suspicious or strange text, delete it right away. Zero-Click Exploit In a chilling cautionary tale, a New York Times journalist says a hacker was able to access his iPhone after sending him a text message even though he never clicked anything. Yes, it is possible for your phone to get a virus from opening a text message, although it is not very common. Can you get scammed by replying to a text? The simple answer - no, you can not get hacked by replying to a text message. At the very least, it tells a potential scammer that the phone number is (1) valid and (2) owned by someone who is willing to communicate. A legitimate lottery winner will never offer to give away money in exchange for a fee. Does it work for Czech numbers? Text message or SMS phishingalso called smishingoccurs when scam artists use deceptive text messages to lure consumers into providing their personal or financial information. Thanks! and that response becomes the reply to "A request to wire $10,000.00 to the national bank of hackerland has been requested do you approve this request? Does Cosmic Background radiation transmit heat? Text message or SMS phishingalso called "smishing"occurs when scam artists use deceptive text messages to lure consumers into providing their personal or financial . Here are some signs that your phone may have been hacked: 1. IE 11 is not supported. Dont comply. How long have you held this number? Can you get scammed by replying to a text? Applications such as TrueCaller can help you determine whether unknown calls or texts are coming from legitimate people or scammers. 5. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Replying to a random text might not get your phone hacked but it could get you in involved in a scam. However, it is not a good idea to reply to texts from senders that you do not know. Your password has been changed and youve been locked out of your account. Our guide below will cite all these tips to protect your privacy and information. Spam and phishing SMS could target your phone number. Text mail subscribers are users that are subscribed to text-only mail. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (Mit), Missouri University Of Science And Technology, State University Of New York Health Science Center At Brooklyn, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry, The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio, The University Of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University Of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston, The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences, University At Buffalo Suny School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences, University Of California, Los Angeles (Ucla), University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, University Of Maryland Baltimore County (Umbc), University Of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, University Of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The downside of responding if it is indeed a spam message is that it may confirm to a spammer that your address is indeed active and monitored by a person. It is a good idea to exercise caution when clicking links in any type of message, even text messages. Alyssa Newcomb is an NBC News contributor who writes about business and technology. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Additionally, criminals can send text messages containing phishing links as a way to install malware or steal your personal information. The most common signs of your device having a virus are persistent and random pop-ups. This is the same as phone calls, but can often be a bit trickier. First, spammers often try to trick you into clicking on malicious links or downloading dangerous files that could install malware onto your device. Android phones can get infected by merely receiving a picture via text message, according to research published Monday. Do not download any suspicious applications on your phone, as they can automatically gain access to your number. Remember that government agencies almost never initiate contact by phone or text. Additionally, some malware can be installed onto a phone by simply clicking on a malicious link in a text message, which could give a hacker control over the device. Now you know how to detect if a text was written by ChatGPT. Is there a scam about lottery winner giving away money? "It may say something like, $500 was just withdrawn from your bank account, did you do it? Related: The New Way You'll Get Hacked: Through That Banking App on Your Phone, "A phone is something you always have on you," Clair told NBC News. As a result, many people are interested in keeping a record of their text messages for personal, legal, or other reasons. 2 Easy Methods (2023), How to Fix Fatal DirectX Error FFXIV (2023), How to Watch Private YouTube Videos (2023), How to See Missed Calls From Blocked Numbers on iPhone (2023), Can You Mix RAM Brands? TrueCaller can also help if you are on the receiving end of automated calls (Please see, Chromecast Remote Not Working FIXED (2023), FIX: Apple Watch Swipe Up Not Working [Easy Solutions] (2023), Fix: An Unidentified Error Occurred on PS5 PlayStation Store (2023), How to Get Disposable Camera Pictures on Your Phone (2023), Play Store Stuck on Pending [Easy Fix Guide] (2023), Email Keeps Stopping [Easy Ways to Fix] (2023), How to Get Local Channels on Samsung Smart TV (2023), How to Change Firestick Name. For example, if someone replied to a text message with personal information or a link to a malicious website, the hackers could gain access to the phone and possibly steal personal information from it. One of the most important signs that a lottery is a scam is that winners are asked to pay fees or taxes to claim their winnings. Texting offers us a quick and easy way to send a message, or respond to one. If theyre trying to lure you into clicking on a suspicious link, its spam. After that, there is target OS identification. The risks of responding to phishing emails may include email account compromise, unauthorized access to the organization's networks and systems, and the introduction of malware into the phishing victim's computer and network. Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, "Reply T to unsubscribe" in SMS spam messages, ignore or reply "T"? While this is inconvenient, its the last resort that you have to get rid of a scamming attempt. Well for the simple fact that you don't know who is selling your data and who they are selling it to. You do still need to be cautious about clicking links inside of spam texts. 00:00 - Can you get scammed by replying to a text?00:38 - Can someone hack you through texting?01:08 - What happens when you reply stop to a text?01:41 - How. There is malware that can piggyback on legitimate apps permissions and infect your phone. You cant get hacked by simply answering your phone. Our guide will explain how you can protect your private information and avoid answering unnecessary texts to prevent hackers from gaining access to your personal information. However, scammers are getting very creative, and you should leave those distrustful texts be. Fortunately, there are a few common characteristics that can help people distinguish these scams from real lotteries. It is also possible that the scammer could ask you to make payments to them, with no guarantee you will ever get what they are purported to be offering in return. The first thing you do is authenticate the number immediately. What mitigations are likely in place? Since the "Y" and "N" scenario would both require a fairly rapid response (before the legitimate message came through) and that you could be manipulated into responding in the required format. Asking you to tap on a link or activate new features through a link. No, replying to a text message cannot cause a virus. Can someone get your location from a text? These days, it seems like everything is just one click away on our mobile phones. This is likely the biggest smartphone flaw ever discovered. Can You Get Scammed By Opening A Text Message? Paul Arnold is an education expert with over 25 years of experience in the field. Hackers usually send the smishing messages with a link or phone number. Can you get scammed by opening a text? While you can never hide your profile pictures or cover photos, you can hide almost everything else from those outside your friends list. He has worked in both public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities. Can Scammers Steal Your Information Through A Text? That's saved me a few times. According to the FTC, Just dont text back.. However, scammers are getting very creative, and you should leave those distrustful texts be. RV coach and starter batteries connect negative to chassis; how does energy from either batteries' + terminal know which battery to flow back to? Most commonly, users need to interact with the text message before the malicious code sends through the device. After that, there is target OS identification. Step 3 : Find the Filter Unknown Senders option. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. As a result, you might see an increase of spam. That means social security numbers, addresses, and even your credit card information can all be vulnerable through a simple, unassuming text message you receive. It could be someone you know, but have not heard from in a while. Smishing . If a business sends you a text that you weren't expecting, call them to verify its authenticity using the number on your bill or statement, or look up their number online. 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