6 Signs of Text and Email Scams That You Should Know to Keep Your Finances Safe

Text and email scams are fraudulent schemes designed to trick individuals into giving away personal information, such as passwords, bank details, or other sensitive data, in order to gain access to financial accounts.

Since many institutions regularly communicate with their users through text and email, scammers take advantage of this by sending deceptive communications that closely resemble official notifications. As such, it’s understandable how some consumers might mistakenly fall for these scams.

Additionally, these scams have led many people to second-guess whether digital transactions are a secure choice, prompting questions like, “Is Maya safe?” To answer this, keep in mind that digital banks, payment platforms, and other legitimate entities are continuously working towards further bolstering their security and privacy measures to protect their users from emerging threats.

Even so, the techniques scammers use are advancing. This makes it even more crucial to be aware of common indicators that scammers are attempting to deceive you. So, to protect yourself and your finances, watch out for these telltale signs of text and email scams.

1. Phone Numbers You Don’t Recognise

One of the most common red flags of a text scam is receiving messages from unusual or unrecognised numbers. If you get a text from a number you’re not familiar with, especially if it’s outside your usual contacts, it’s essential to approach it with caution. Scammers often use untraceable numbers or spoof legitimate ones to gain your trust.

In the Philippines, many legitimate companies have their numbers registered. So, you might receive a message that reflects the company name as the sender rather than a phone number. If you receive a message from a number that doesn't resemble a company’s registered format or appears as a generic phone number, it's a strong indicator that it’s not legitimate communication. It’s also best to verify the source and, if in doubt, reach out to the company directly through their official channels.

2. Emails Sent from Public Domains

In the case of email scams, scammers frequently use public email domains to send phishing emails. While legitimate companies typically invest in having their own domains for official communications, fraudsters take advantage of free email services to mask their identity. 

If you receive an email claiming to be from a company but it’s from a public domain, it’s a strong indicator of a scam. Always check the sender’s email address closely and cross-verify by visiting the company's official website. Remember, legitimate businesses prioritise their brand image and security by using custom domains for their communications. If in doubt, visit the company’s official website and use the contact details there to confirm the legitimacy of the email.

3. Suspicious Links or Attachments

Another sign of a text or email scam is a suspicious link or attachment. Scammers often use this method to install malware on your device or redirect you to fraudulent websites (that look legitimate) that will collect your personal information.

Text hijacking or “spoofing”—a type of scam that involves malicious actors using fake cell sites and illegal software to present themselves as trusted service providers—also involves texts with suspicious links, often advertised as links for updating user information or links leading to vouchers or promotions that turn out to be fake. Thinking that the link or attachment comes from the brand the bad actor is claiming to represent, an unsuspecting recipient may tap on the link or attachment and realise that something is amiss only when it’s too late.

In a proactive effort to combat these threats, the National Telecommunications Commission in the Philippines has mandated telecom companies to block text messages with clickable links. This move aims to significantly reduce scams and fraudulent activities targeting unsuspecting individuals.

However, even with these regulations in place, consumers must know that scammers are continuously finding creative ways to bypass these restrictions.

They may use techniques such as sending messages without links but instructing you to visit a website manually, or they might include a shortened URL that hides the true destination. Therefore, it’s always best to treat any message containing links or attachments as suspicious. 

4. Requests for Sensitive Information

Many legitimate companies do not request sensitive information, such as account passwords, one-time passwords or OTPs, credit card numbers, or bank details, via text or email. If you receive a message asking for this kind of information, it's likely a scam.

As a precaution, always verify the request by contacting the company directly using official channels. Remember, safeguarding your personal information should always be your priority.

5. Generic Greetings and Poor Grammar

The use of generic greetings, such as “Dear Customer,” rather than addressing you by name is also a sign of scams. Scammers often employ this tactic because they usually send mass messages to thousands of recipients, and personalising each one would be impractical. Consequently, if you receive a message that feels impersonal, it’s a strong indication that it may not be from a legitimate source. 

Moreover, many scam messages contain poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or awkward phrasing, which further highlights their lack of professionalism. In contrast, legitimate businesses take pride in their communications and generally ensure they are well-written and free from errors. Therefore, if you notice any grammatical inaccuracies or awkward language in a message, it should raise a red flag. 

6. Unsolicited Offers or Prizes

Messages claiming you’ve won a prise or offering unsolicited deals are often scams designed to lure victims into providing personal information or sending money. These enticing offers can be particularly tempting, especially if they promise large rewards for little to no effort. However, legitimate companies do not notify winners through text or email without prior confirmation that you have indeed entered into a contest or raffle. Thus, if you receive an unexpected message claiming you’ve won something even if you haven’t sent an entry, it’s best to ignore it and verify the claim independently. 

Being aware of these signs of text and email scams can help you protect your finances and personal information from potential threats. Always stay vigilant and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s better to err on the side of caution. If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities and share your experience with others to raise awareness.