Scam Text Messages

Fraudsters frequently impersonate credible entities such as the NYPD, IRS, or USPS to appear believable and urgent. Posing as a delivery notice, vaccine appointment, or tax refund alert, these deceptive Scam Text Messages prompt users to click shortened URLs, which often conceal dangerous malware or phishing sites designed to steal personal data. Other common schemes involve fake invitations from friends, fraudulent mobile applications disguised as legitimate services like Chrome or government platforms, and mimicked web domains that look identical to real ones, all urging immediate action to prevent further verification.

While the deployment of Scam Text Messages may appear to be a modern crime, it is often prosecuted using traditional, yet applicable, statutes that address the deceptive intent and financial harm caused. Under New York Penal Law §190.60 ("Scheme to Defraud"), sending deceptive communications, like Scam Text Messages, with the intent to obtain property may result in serious criminal charges, reflecting the severity of the planned deception. Additionally, unauthorized access to devices or data, a common result of a successful fraudulent text scheme, may fall under §156.05 ("Unauthorized Use of a Computer").

Depending on the scope and amount involved in the Scam Text Messages scheme, enhanced penalties under the New York Economic Crimes statute may apply if the total fraud exceeds $50,000, underscoring the potential for severe legal repercussions for these digital crimes.

Upon recognizing suspicious text messages or unauthorized financial transactions resulting from a Scam Text Message, the following steps should be taken to effectively respond to the damage:

• Mobile Payment Suspension: Contact your wireless provider (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) immediately to suspend mobile billing and inquire about any recent, unauthorized charges. Most reliable providers in New York offer a "Premium Messaging Block" feature designed to prevent fraudulent charges stemming from Scam Text Messages.
• Cybercrime Reporting: Promptly submit a report to the New York Internet Crimes Unit via the IC3 (FBI) portal or the NYPD Cyber Task Force. Reporting the incident involving Scam Text Messages swiftly can help authorities block further malicious activity and aid in broader enforcement efforts against similar frauds.
• Digital Evidence Capture: Save screenshots of suspicious messages, all relevant transaction records, and any potentially downloaded files from the fraudulent link, ensuring you capture the full context of the Scam Text Message attack. Crucially, do not delete any evidence until after you have consulted with a qualified legal advisor.
• Credential Reset and Reissuance: Immediately replace any compromised passwords, revoke compromised digital certificates, and request entirely new account credentials from your bank or financial institutions targeted by the fraud initiated through Scam Text Messages.

To substantially reduce exposure to Scam Text Messages and associated financial fraud, New York residents and mobile users should consistently follow these precautionary practices:

• Avoid clicking links in messages from unknown sources—even if the sender ID appears official or urgent, as this is a core tactic of Scam Text Messages used by fraudsters.
• Use built-in security tools in both iOS and Android operating systems to automatically block spam and messages from unknown senders, adding a valuable layer of defense against Scam Text Messages.
• Enable the "Install from Verified Sources Only" setting in your mobile configuration to prevent the accidental installation of malicious applications often distributed through links found in Scam Text Messages.
• Use security applications that offer real-time threat monitoring and link checking services to verify the safety of any URL before clicking it, thereby actively countering the threats posed by Scam Text Messages.
• Verify messages claiming to be from friends or colleagues through a direct, out-of-band contact method (like a separate phone call) before ever interacting with a link or providing personal information requested by the suspicious text.