Son's lack of texting from a new number is a scam, as his phone is apparently water-damaged.
Warning Issued for "Son Scam" Text Message Scam
In a recent development, authorities in Spain have issued a warning about a text message scam known as the "son scam." This scam, which has been on the rise, involves cybercriminals impersonating a family member in distress and asking for financial help via text.
How the "Son Scam" Works
The scam typically starts with a text message claiming to be from a son or another close relative who is in urgent trouble. The message may convey an emergency, such as being arrested, stranded, or needing money immediately. It often requests a wire transfer, gift cards, or quick payment through an untraceable method.
Common Characteristics of the "Son Scam"
The "son scam" shares several common characteristics with other SMS phishing scams. For instance, the scammer pretends to be a close relative, creates a sense of urgency or fear, and avoids official channels or verification. The scammer may also engage in a back-and-forth exchange to build trust and continue communication via texts or calls to pressure the victim further.
Protecting Yourself from the "Son Scam"
To avoid falling victim to the "son scam" and similar text message scams, it's essential to remain vigilant. Here are some tips to protect yourself:
- Do not reply to suspicious or unsolicited messages asking for money or urgent help.
- Verify the sender’s identity directly by calling the family member through known numbers or checking with others.
- Never send money or share personal information based solely on text requests.
- Be wary of messages creating a sense of urgency or fear urging quick action.
- Avoid clicking on links or calling phone numbers provided in such texts, as they may lead to phishing sites or scammers.
- Inform your family about these scams to watch out for suspicious messages.
- Report suspicious messages to your mobile carrier or local authorities.
Authorities' Recommendations
The National Institute of Cybersecurity (INCIBE) advises against following instructions, downloading apps, or providing personal or banking data in response to these fraudulent messages. If you doubt the message, INCIBE recommends contacting the sender on their usual number or agreeing on a code with family members and asking the suspected sender for it. If the message includes a link, INCIBE recommends installing an antivirus on your mobile device.
The National Police has also warned about a similar fraudulent message on their official TikTok account. If you receive such a message, they advise against clicking on the link, as it may empty your account. To report these types of fraud, you can contact the Civil Guard ([email protected]), the Police ([email protected]), or ask for help from INCIBE through their official channels.
When you are a victim of this type of fraud, remember to keep all possible evidence and contact your bank if you've made a payment or provided your banking data. In March 2024, the National Police arrested four individuals suspected of defrauding around 20,000 euros using the "son in trouble" method.
In 2023, a warning about the "son scam" where they contact their parents because their "phone is broken" was issued on Verificaour website. This warning underscores the importance of staying vigilant and not falling for these emotional manipulation tactics.
- In the realm of technology and general-news, the ongoing rise of the "son scam" is a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity, as it involves impersonating a family member in distress and requesting financial help via text messages, which can lead to crime and justice issues.
- To strengthen your defense against the "son scam" and other text message scams, follow best practices such as not replying to unsolicited messages, verifying the sender's identity, and avoiding providing personal or financial information based on text requests, especially those triggering a sense of urgency.
