Posts Tagged With: Spam

Spam text messages are not only annoying but also illegal. Many con artists use text messages to obtain your personal information by offering a free gift card or vacation. As a result, you become very vulnerable to identity theft.

To avoid becoming a victim of text message spam, register your number on the Do Not Call List.  Also, never click on links in spam messages, which often carry malware or send you to fake websites.

Never reply to these text messages or give out your personal information.  Report the text spam to your cell phone carrier by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM).

You can report unwanted commercial text messages and other complaints related to consumer fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1

For additional information on text message spam, go to:

http://blog.usa.gov/post/89152807112/protect-yourself-from-text-message-spam

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0350-text-message-spam

Teaching Suggestions

• Have students conduct research to obtain information on various types of scam and frauds.
• Have students create an in-class presentation or a video communicating actions to take to avoid becoming a victim of consumer fraud.

Discussion Questions 

1. Why do some people easily become victims of text message spam and other consumer frauds?
2. Describe various types of frauds and scams.
3. What actions can be taken to avoid becoming a victim of consumer fraud?