On Sunday, September 11, 2016, I received my first of what will probably become numerous spam text messages.
“Your friend XXXX XXXXXXX just recommended you check out your photos on Everalbum. Link expires tomorrow: (and then there was this link).”
The number had a 910 area code, and was not a recognizable contact within my phone. Something seemed fishy.
So, I sent a text message to my friend referenced in the original spam text message, asking him if he knew anything about the message I received.
He was unaware, as I had suspected.
So, I sent a reply to the suspicious texter (if that is a word), inquiring “Who is this?” Of course, there was no response.
I researched the potential risks of clicking on the link included in the spammer’s text, so I could understand the extent of this scam… and here’s what I discovered.
When the recipient (such as myself) clicks on the link to view said photos, this action enables a virus on your phone that sends a similar message to all of your contacts. And, these viruses are sly, even using the names of people within your own contacts.
There are also warnings on the Internet that this virus seeks to capture your banking information. In addition, there are mobile users indicating the threat of all of your photos on your phone being deleted by this virus.
So, all things considered, do not click on the link if you receive this text message. I didn’t, thankfully, but I did want to forewarn our readers.
And, unfortunately, it seems inevitable that there will be more deceptive text messages in everyone’s near future. If it seems suspicious, always refrain from clicking on any links.