The prevalence of scams today is quite alarming. It feels like a stark contrast to the past when phone calls primarily came from friends and family. Currently, both Android and iOS users need to be especially cautious, as the FBI has issued a warning regarding a new text scam that could lead to significant financial losses. The scam reportedly involves Chinese criminal groups sending friendly and seemingly harmless text messages.

The intention behind these messages is to elicit a response from you, such as “Sorry, wrong number.” Once the scammers receive this reply, they attempt to prolong the conversation, fostering a sense of trust that could ultimately lead you to make regrettable financial decisions. The Gretna Police Department, referencing the FBI’s findings, highlights how these scammers exploit social niceties to their advantage, aiming to build friendships or even romantic relationships to lower your defenses. Their ultimate goal is to entice you into scams, such as misguided investments in cryptocurrency.

To protect yourself, the solution is straightforward: block or ignore any messages from numbers you do not recognize. While it may feel impolite to disregard someone’s message, taking this small step can save you from potential losses of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This warning from the FBI isn’t the first of its kind. Previous alerts have covered scams that falsely claim users have unpaid tolls, directing victims to fake websites designed to steal their financial information.

Moreover, some scams utilize links that install malware on your device to capture your login credentials. The safest approach remains unchanged: ignore texts and calls from unfamiliar numbers, and always prioritize your safety over social courtesy.