How to spot a fake text message

The Better Business Bureau, which serves the Canton region and greater West Virginia, offers tips and advice for consumers to avoid fraudulent practices.

Scammers have long used social media to impersonate people you know and trust, but recently they’ve employed a new tactic: texting with a fake caller ID. This scam can be difficult to spot at first glance, so watch out for the warning signs.

This is how the scam works

You will receive an SMS, which will appear in your phone as “Mama” (or “Dad” in other variations). According to the message, “Mom” is at the store but accidentally left her credit card at home. Could you send her $150 to finish shopping?

The prompt seems harmless, but don’t do it! Scammers have spoofed the caller ID to appear as “mom” or “dad”. They rely on the fact that many people have “dad” or “mommy” saved in their contact lists. Scammers hope you won’t think twice or verify the phone number before sending any help. When you transfer money to a bank or digital wallet account, your money is gone forever. (BBB.org/article/scams/13038-how-to-avoid-digital-wallet-scams-on-paypal-venmo-and-other-services)