Staff report
Indianapolis, Ind – June 22, 2023
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued a warning to Hoosiers, urging them to be cautious and vigilant when it comes to text message scams. With the increasing prevalence of scams targeting mobile phone users, Rokita emphasized the need for individuals to double-check the authenticity of text messages they receive.
In a statement, Rokita said, “Today’s world revolves around our phones, and scammers know it.” He urged Hoosiers to protect themselves by remaining alert and familiarizing themselves with the signs of fraudulent text messages.
Scammers capitalize on individuals’ busy lifestyles, often sending messages that appear to come from family members or colleagues. However, these seemingly harmless texts are actually cleverly crafted scams designed to deceive and defraud unsuspecting victims. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has further complicated the detection of these fraudulent communications, making it increasingly challenging for individuals to identify potential scams.
To help Hoosiers avoid falling victim to text message scams, the Office of the Indiana Attorney General provided several valuable tips. First, if there is suspicion regarding the legitimacy of a text message, individuals are advised to contact the company directly using a verified phone number or official website. Blocking or adjusting phone settings to restrict spam text messages can be an effective preventive measure.
Moreover, Hoosiers are cautioned against sharing personal information over text, as it is an insecure method of communication. Legitimate services typically do not request personal information through text messages. For added protection, individuals are encouraged to place a freeze on their credit, thereby preventing unauthorized accounts from being opened in their name in the event of a security breach.
Rokita also stressed the importance of refraining from responding to spam texts, as doing so confirms to scammers that the targeted account is active. Instead, individuals are urged to report any text scams they encounter by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM). This enables wireless providers to identify and block similar fraudulent messages, curtailing the reach of scammers.
If someone believes they have fallen victim to a scam, the Attorney General’s office advises filing a complaint at www.indianaconsumer.com.
