In recent years, scammers have continually evolved their methods to trick people out of their money and personal information. A significant change in their approach has been the shift away from traditional phone calls and towards email and text messages. This shift reflects a broader trend in the way fraudsters are contacting their victims, making scams more accessible and harder to detect.
The Decline of Phone Call Scams
According to data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the number of imposter scams initiated by phone calls has dropped significantly. In 2020, phone calls accounted for 67% of all imposter scams, but by 2023, that number had decreased to just 32%. The reason for this shift can be attributed to a variety of factors, including technological advancements, ease of mass communication, and the anonymity offered by digital platforms.
Phone scams traditionally rely on direct interaction, where the scammer tries to establish trust by impersonating someone familiar, such as a relative or a government agent. While these types of scams are still prevalent, many fraudsters are now opting for less intrusive and more scalable methods.
Email and Text: The Preferred Contact Methods
Fraudsters have embraced email and text messages as their primary methods of reaching out to potential victims. These methods are easier to automate and allow scammers to send mass amounts of messages without the need for direct engagement. Here's why email and text scams have become so popular:
Anonymity and Ease of Access: Scammers can use burner phones or fake email addresses to contact victims, making it difficult to trace them. This anonymity allows fraudsters to avoid being caught while still reaching a large audience.
Increased Credibility: Emails and text messages can appear more official than phone calls. Scammers often disguise their messages as coming from well-known companies, government agencies, or even familiar contacts, which can make them seem more legitimate.
Cost-Effective: Phone calls, especially international ones, can be expensive for scammers. In contrast, sending mass emails and texts is much cheaper and can be done at scale.
Advanced Technology: With AI-generated emails and texts, scammers can personalize their messages to make them seem even more convincing. These personalized messages might reference specific information about the victim, such as their name, address, or recent purchases, making it more likely that the recipient will fall for the scam.
Common Types of Email and Text Scams
As scammers transition to digital communication methods, they have come up with new types of scams that specifically target people via email and text. Some common examples include:
Fake Security Alerts: Scammers may impersonate companies or banks and send urgent security alerts to victims, claiming that their account has been compromised. The message typically urges the victim to click on a link or call a number to resolve the issue. Once clicked, the victim may be led to a phishing site designed to steal login credentials or personal information.
Invoice Scams: An email or text might claim that the recipient owes money for a recent purchase or subscription renewal. The scammer may even provide fake invoice details, creating a sense of urgency to prompt the victim into paying the alleged debt immediately.
Discount or Gift Scams: Scammers can send emails or text messages offering incredible discounts or "free" gifts, enticing victims to click a link or enter personal information to claim the offer. These scams often lead to fake websites that steal sensitive data or ask for payment upfront.
Multi-Party Scams: These scams involve a layered approach where the first scammer reaches out via email or text, pretending to be a company or service. After gaining the victim's trust, they pass the victim on to an accomplice who impersonates a government agent or bank employee, often claiming that money needs to be transferred or a specific action must be taken to resolve an issue. This makes the scam seem more legitimate and convincing.
How To Protect Yourself from Email and Text Scams
While these scams are more sophisticated, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: Whether it's an email or a text, be cautious of unsolicited messages that request personal or financial information. Legitimate organizations rarely ask for such information over text or email.
Check the Sender's Information: Scammers often use email addresses or phone numbers that look similar to official ones, but may have subtle differences. Carefully check the sender's email or phone number, especially if the message seems out of place or too good to be true.
Look for Red Flags: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to manipulate victims into acting quickly. Phrases like “Immediate action required!” or “Your account has been compromised” are typical red flags. Take your time to verify the authenticity of the message.
Verify Contact Information: If the message appears to come from a company or government agency, contact them directly through their official website or phone number—not through the contact details provided in the message. This ensures you're communicating with the legitimate organization.
Use Email and SMS Filters: Many email providers and mobile carriers offer tools to block or filter spam messages. Enable these filters to help prevent scam messages from reaching you.
Report Scams: If you receive a suspicious email or text, report it to the relevant authorities, such as the FTC or your local consumer protection agency. Reporting helps them track trends and take action against scammers.
The shift from phone scams to email and text message scams marks a significant change in the way fraudsters operate. As scammers continue to leverage modern technology, including automation and AI, the effectiveness of these scams has increased, making it even harder for individuals to distinguish legitimate communication from fraud. By staying vigilant, skeptical, and informed, consumers can better protect themselves from falling victim to these increasingly common scams.