Have you received a text message with an area code 848 containing a warning and a phone number to call? You're not alone. Scammers are increasingly using this tactic to trick people into revealing personal information or sending money.
This area code 848 spam originates from the Hudson Valley region of New York, but scammers can spoof phone numbers, making it appear the message comes from a legitimate source.
Here's what you need to know:
The Scam: Phishing messages often come with a sense of urgency. The text might claim there's an issue with your account, suspicious activity, or a missed delivery. Here are some of the common variations:
Fake Customer Support: These messages masquerade as official alerts from companies like banks, credit card providers, or even tech giants like Apple or Microsoft. They'll warn of a suspicious login attempt, a security breach, or an unpaid invoice. The message will then pressure you to call the provided number to "verify your information" or "resolve the issue."
Delivery Scams: These texts might claim to be from a delivery company informing you of a missed package or an issue with your delivery address. They'll often provide a fake tracking number and urge you to call to reschedule or update your information.
Government Impersonation: Scammers may pose as representatives from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or other government agencies. These messages might threaten legal action due to unpaid taxes, an expired ID, or even a "security warrant" issued in your name.
The Target: These scams can target anyone, but they often impersonate well-known companies or government agencies that people might be more likely to trust.
The Danger: If you call the number, you could be connected to a scammer who will try to steal your personal information in several ways:
Social Engineering: The scammer might try to trick you into revealing passwords, account numbers, or your Social Security number by posing as a customer service representative or using scare tactics.
Voice Phishing (Vishing): Automated systems might play pre-recorded messages asking you to enter sensitive information using your phone's keypad.
Malware Installation: Clicking on links in the message could download malware onto your device, allowing scammers to steal your data directly.
Scammers might also use scare tactics to pressure you into sending money immediately, often through gift cards or money transfer services.
How to Protect Yourself:
Don't click on links: Text messages from legitimate companies won't ask you to click on links.
Don't call the provided number: Look up the company's official customer service number instead.
Don't respond: Scammers often try to confirm if your number is active. Simply ignore the message.
Be cautious of urgency: Legitimate companies will rarely pressure you to take immediate action.
Report the scam: Forward the message to your carrier or report it to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.
By staying alert and following these tips, you can avoid falling victim to these text message scams.
Remember: If you're unsure about a message, it's always best to err on the side of caution and delete it.