In response to evolving technology, scams have also become increasingly sophisticated. Chat and text scams are an example of these, representing a major risk to people's finances and personal safety. In this article, we will explore the various kinds of chat and text scams, how they work, and provide guidance on prevention strategies.

MAY 18, 2023

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“Scammers are constantly improving their tactics. It's important to stay informed of the latest scams."


How To Protect Yourself From Chat & Text Scams

As technology continues to advance, so do the methods used by scammers to deceive unsuspecting individuals. Chat and text scams have become increasingly prevalent, posing a significant threat to people's personal and financial well-being.


In this article, we will delve into the world of chat and text scams, exploring the different types, understanding their mechanisms, and providing essential tips on how to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Understanding Chat and Text Scams

Chat and text scams involve the use of digital platforms to trick individuals into providing personal information, financial details, or even transferring money to scammers. These scams are often conducted through various mediums, such as messaging apps, social media platforms, and SMS (Short Message Service) texts.


Remember, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, so staying vigilant and informed is essential in protecting yourself from digital scammers.

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đź”… Phishing Scams

One of the most common types of chat and text scams is phishing, where scammers pose as legitimate entities or organizations to deceive victims. They create convincing messages that appear to be from trustworthy sources, enticing recipients to click on malicious links, provide sensitive information, or download malware.

đź”… Lottery & Prize Scams

Scammers send messages claiming that the recipient has won a substantial sum of money or a valuable prize. To claim the prize, the victim is asked to provide personal details, pay a fee, or transfer money for processing charges. However, the promised reward never materializes.

đź”… Romance Scams

In romance scams, scammers create fake online profiles, often on dating apps or social media platforms, to form emotional connections with their targets. Once trust is established, the scammer may request money under false pretenses, such as medical emergencies or travel expenses, exploiting the victim's vulnerability.

đź”… Tech Support Scams

In this type of scam, victims receive unsolicited calls or messages from scammers pretending to be technical support representatives from well-known companies. They claim that the recipient's computer has a virus or a software issue and offer to fix the problem remotely for a fee, while actually installing malware or stealing personal information.

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“Use a healthy dose of skepticism when dealing with DM's.”


Be Proactive & Take Preventative Actions

1. Be Vigilant & Skeptical

Develop a healthy skepticism towards unsolicited messages, especially those requesting personal or financial information. Scrutinize the sender's identity, grammar, and spelling mistakes, as scammers often make errors that legitimate organizations would not.

• Exercise caution when receiving unsolicited messages, especially those promising prizes or financial gains.

• Avoid sharing personal information, such as your address, Social Security number, or financial details, unless you are confident in the recipient's legitimacy.

• Scrutinize messages for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, or poor formatting, as these can be indicators of fraudulent activity.

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2. Verify Before You Trust

If you receive a message from a financial institution, government agency, or company, independently verify its authenticity. Do not click on links or call numbers provided in the message. Instead, use official websites or phone numbers from trusted sources to contact the organization directly and inquire about the message's legitimacy.

• Independently verify the legitimacy of any claims or requests made through chat or text messages. Contact the organization or individual directly using trusted contact information to confirm the message's authenticity.

• Be wary of messages that pressure you to act quickly or create a sense of urgency. Scammers often use these tactics to prevent victims from conducting thorough verifications.

• Do not click on links until you have verified it’s legitimate.

• Check for scam alerts related to this sender online.

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3. Protect Personal Information

Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords, through chat or text messages. Legitimate organizations typically have secure channels for collecting such information and will never ask for it unsolicited.

4. Use Secure Communication Channels

Whenever possible, opt for secure chat platforms that offer end-to-end encryption. This ensures that your conversations remain private and protected from unauthorized access.

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5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enable 2FA whenever possible, especially for financial and email accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code, usually sent via text or app, in addition to a password.


2FA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, even if scammers obtain your login credentials.

6. Educate Yourself & Stay Informed

Stay informed about the latest scams and techniques used by scammers. Follow reputable sources, such as Defense Divas®, scam alert websites and consumer protection agencies, to stay updated on new scams and tactics.


Scammers are always changing tactics and scams are always getting more creative. Awareness is a crucial step in protecting yourself and others from falling victim to fraud.

7. Install Security Software

Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices to help detect and prevent malicious activities. Keep your software up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches and protection against evolving threats.

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8. Report and Block Scammers

If you encounter a chat scam or suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the relevant authorities, such as local law enforcement or your country's consumer protection agency. Additionally, report the incident to the chat platform or social media platform where the scam occurred.


Always block the sender's number or contact to prevent further attempts at scamming.

9. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your gut feeling. If a conversation or offer seems suspicious, it's better to err on the side of caution and disengage from it.

The Takeaway

Chat and text scams continue to evolve, presenting significant risks to individuals' personal and financial security. By understanding the different types of scams and adopting preventive measures, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.


Stay vigilant, verify sources independently, protect your personal information, and report any suspicious activity. Being proactive will thwart the efforts of scammers preying on unsuspecting individuals.


Defense Divas® wants you to be equipped to defend yourself not only with a self-defense weapon, but also with the practical knowledge of safety awareness and prevention.


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Copyright©2023 All rights reserved. This article or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of Defense Divas®.


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