Don’t be fooled by spam text messages
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is urging residents to guard against fraud and spam text messages following a reported incident involving a test message offering $10 off the purchase of a Town of Wake Forest and Wake Forest Fire Department shirt. The text message includes a link for recipients to click on to initiate their order.
Many times, it’s hard to tell what’s a scam and what isn’t, but this is a scam.
If you get a text message you weren’t expecting, don’t click on any links. Some links may take you to a spoofed website that looks real but isn’t. If you log in, the scammers then might steal your username and password.
Other messages might install harmful malware on your phone that steals your personal or financial information without you realizing it.
If you think the message might be real, contact the company/organization using a phone number or website you know is real. Not the information in the text message.
If you receive an unwanted text message, there are three ways to report it:
- Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future.
- Report it on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov.
If you believe that you are a victim of this type of crime, report it to the Wake Forest Police Department at 919-554-6150.