We’ve all received sketchy text messages. Some look like they’re from a friend, your bank, or even Apple. But what if the person texting you is really a scammer?
M. Fishman wrote in with a question that many people have wondered:
Can iPhone texts contain malicious links? Some texts seem to come from someone you know, but the contact information was stolen. Or they come from people you think you know, but after months of texting, you realize they are fraudsters.
It’s a smart question, and one you might have wondered yourself. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, particularly when targeting mobile users. Just one wrong tap could put your personal info at risk. Let’s break down what to watch for and how you can stay safe.
If you’re an Android user thinking you’re safe and sound, think again. Many Android phones use SMS technology, too. Scroll down to see how you too may be affected.
How iPhone text message scams work and how to recognize them
So, how exactly do scammers pull this off? While some text scams are obvious, others are surprisingly sophisticated. These are the most common ways criminals use text messages to trick iPhone users and steal personal information:
Phishing links: Scammers often include phishing links that appear legitimate but actually lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal information. These pages may mimic Apple login screens, bank portals, or online shopping sites. Once you enter your credentials, the scammer has full access. Some links even trigger a fake “account locked” warning to pressure you into giving up sensitive data quickly.
Rare but real malware: While Apple devices are more locked down than other platforms, they are not immune to high-level threats. Sophisticated spyware, such as Pegasus, has been known to infect iPhones using zero-click or one-click exploits. These threats are rare but real, and clicking the wrong link could allow someone to access your messages, microphone, or location data without your knowledge.
Spoofed contacts and hijacked iCloud accounts: In some cases, scammers spoof a phone number to make it look like a text is coming from someone in your contact list. In more advanced cases, they might compromise a real iCloud account. You receive a message from a friend or relative’s actual number or Apple ID, making it much harder to detect the fraud.
Long-game scams: These scams involve weeks or even months of text-based interaction. Scammers often pose as someone looking for a relationship, an old friend, or even a mistaken contact. They slowly build trust and rapport, sometimes even moving the conversation to encrypted apps like WhatsApp or Signal. Once you feel comfortable, they introduce a fake emergency, investment opportunity, or financial need to manipulate you into sending money or cryptocurrency.
GOT A BANK TRANSFER ALERT TEXT? IT MIGHT BE A SCAM. HERE’S WHAT TO DO
What about Android users?
Android users are equally, if not more, vulnerable to text message threats. Many Android phones use default SMS apps that don’t have strong scam filters, making it easier for malicious messages to slip through. And unlike iPhones, Android phones can be more susceptible to malware from phishing links, especially if you install apps from outside the Google Play Store.
If you’re using Android, install a strong antivirus app (more on that below), avoid side-loading apps, and consider switching to a messaging app with built-in spam protection like Google Messages or Signal. If this is something you’d like to explore, check out my picks for best secure messenger apps.
How to protect yourself from text scams
Here are the essential steps you should take right now to keep your iPhone and your personal information safe from text message scams.
1) Avoid clicking suspicious links and install strong antivirus software: Never click on links from unknown or suspicious sources. Look for warning signs such as odd grammar, urgent messages, or unusual URLs (e.g., apple.support-reset.com instead of apple.com).
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
In addition to having antivirus software installed, run regular security scans to catch any malware or suspicious activity that may have slipped through your initial defenses. This acts as a first line of defense against malware, phishing, and other cyber threats.
TotalAV is easy to set up and offers real-time protection for paid users, keeping your devices safe around the clock. It includes tools to block phishing scams, remove ransomware and spyware, and clean up adware and junk files. The software also features a browser manager, system tune-up tools, and protects across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
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Please note:
1) If you're having difficulty seeing either of the above deals, do this:
- If you're on a mobile device, hold down the link above, "Copy Link", and then paste it into a private or incognito browser.
- If you're on a laptop or desktop, right click the link, "Copy Link", and then paste it into a private or incognito browser.
2) During registration you may see optional upsells you can decline. Our top pick is the core antivirus product.
3) If you need help after your purchase, you can reach TotalAV directly through their official support page here.
2) Preview links before clicking: On mobile devices, long-press a link to preview its actual destination before opening it.
3) Verify suspicious messages: If you receive a message that seems emotionally manipulative, too good to be true, or confusing, even from someone you know, call or FaceTime them directly to confirm its authenticity.
4) Enable SMS filtering: For iPhone users: Go to Settings → Apps→ Messages → toggle on Filter Unknown Senders to reduce exposure to scam messages. You can find these messsages by clicking on the Messages app, clicking Filters in the upper left of your iPhone and then clicking Unknon Senders.
5) Report and block suspicious numbers: If you receive a suspicious message, tap the message, click on the number at the top of the screen, select Info, then scroll down and tap Block Caller and Report Junk to help prevent further scams.
6) Set up two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA, especially for sensitive accounts like your Apple ID and financial services, to add an extra layer of security.
7) Keep your device and apps updated: Regularly update your iPhone’s operating system and all installed apps. Updates often include important security patches that protect against the latest threats and vulnerabilities exploited by scammers.
8) Don’t share personal or financial information via text: Never provide sensitive details, such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, or passwords in response to unsolicited texts, even if the sender appears to be someone you know or a trusted organization.
9) Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager: Create complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Consider using a reputable password manager to securely store and generate passwords, making it much harder for scammers to access your accounts.
- Unlimited password storage
- Secure sharing
- Password health reports
- Auto-fill and emergency access
- Data breach monitoring to alert you if your credentials have been exposed
- A Security Dashboard with tools like the Data Breach Scanner and Password Health Checker to identify weak, reused, or compromised passwords
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10) Consider using a VPN on public Wi-Fi: When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic. This helps protect your personal information from hackers and eavesdroppers on unsecured networks.
ExpressVPN is the go-to choice for those who prioritize ultra-fast speeds, reliability, and top-tier security. With servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN delivers blazing-fast performance for streaming, gaming, and secure browsing. It supports P2P file sharing, offers best-in-class encryption, and maintains a strict no-logs policy—with all servers running on RAM for enhanced privacy. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, and setup takes under 2 minutes. Plus, with 24/7 live customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN is a premium choice for security-focused users who want speed without compromise.
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11) Use a personal data removal service:
Consider subscribing to a reputable personal data removal service. These services can help remove your information from data broker sites, reducing your risk of being targeted by scammers who use publicly available personal data. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time.
Incogni, a service I trust 100% and use myself, helps automate the process by submitting removal requests to hundreds of data brokers and people-search sites on your behalf.
Incogni automatically contacts data brokers on your behalf and requests the removal of your personal information. It also continues monitoring those sites and submits new removal requests if your data reappears.
- Incogni currently removes personal data from 420+ data broker and people-search websites, and its Unlimited plan allows you to request removals from as many additional sites as you need.
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- The goal is simple: make it much harder for strangers, scammers, and cybercriminals to find your personal information online.
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The service also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free and see how much of your information is exposed online.
Is your personal information exposed online?
Run a free scan to see if your personal info is compromised. Results arrive by email in about an hour.
NEW PHISHING SCAM OUTSMARTS SECURITY CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFO
Clicked a suspicious text link on iPhone? Here’s what to do immediately
Even the most cautious person can make a mistake. If you accidentally tap a scam link or enter your information on a shady website, here’s what to do right away:
1) Close the tab immediately: Exit the browser or app to stop any further interaction.
2) Run a mobile security scan: Use a mobile security app like TotalAV to check your phone for threats. These apps can detect phishing links, block malicious websites, and alert you to suspicious activity in real time. They also help prevent malware from running in the background and can protect your personal data from being accessed without your knowledge.
TotalAV is easy to set up and offers real-time protection for paid users, keeping your devices safe around the clock. It includes tools to block phishing scams, remove ransomware and spyware, and clean up adware and junk files. The software also features a browser manager, system tune-up tools, and protects across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
GET MY EXCLUSIVE CYBERGUY TOTALAV DEAL:
Please note:
1) If you're having difficulty seeing either of the above deals, do this:
- If you're on a mobile device, hold down the link above, "Copy Link", and then paste it into a private or incognito browser.
- If you're on a laptop or desktop, right click the link, "Copy Link", and then paste it into a private or incognito browser.
2) During registration you may see optional upsells you can decline. Our top pick is the core antivirus product.
3) If you need help after your purchase, you can reach TotalAV directly through their official support page here.
3) Review your Apple ID activity: Visit appleid.apple.com to check recent activity. If anything looks unfamiliar, update your password and enable two-factor authentication.
4) Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on your bank, email, and credit card activity. Consider setting up alerts or freezing your credit if necessary.
5) Report the scam: Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) and email Apple at reportphishing@apple.com. You can also block the number from your phone.
IOS 18: MAXIMIZE YOUR PRIVACY BY TURNING OFF THESE 3 IPHONE SETTINGS NOW
Kurt’s key takeaways
If a message feels confusing, emotionally charged, or too good to be true, pause before reacting. Scammers rely on urgency and emotion to get you to click without thinking. When you’re unsure, try reaching out to the person through another method. A quick call or FaceTime can confirm whether the message is real. Staying safe often comes down to slowing down, trusting your instincts, and using the right tools to protect yourself. A few extra seconds of caution can save you from weeks of frustration.
What concerns do you have about mobile security, and what topics would you like to learn more about in future articles? Let us know in the comments.
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