Do not reply to suspicious texts. Here's why.

[usonian]

Phishing texts trick Apple iMessage users into disabling protection

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/phishing-texts-trick-apple-imessage-users-into-disabling-protection/

IN SHORT. WHEN IN DOUBT, DO NOT REPLY.

To protect users from such attacks, Apple iMessage automatically disables links in messages received from unknown senders, whether that be an email address or phone number.

However, Apple told BleepingComputer that if a user replies to that message or adds the sender to their contact list, the links will be enabled. (OHHH NOOOOH)

As you can see below, a fake USPS shipping issue and a fake unpaid road toll text were sent from unknown senders, and iMessage automatically disabled the links.

I get a lot of these: Notice the disabled links.



It's called smishing.

As users have become used to typing STOP, Yes, or NO to confirm appointments or opt out of text messages, the threat actors are hoping this familiar act will lead the text recipient to reply to the text and enable the links. Doing so will enable the links again and turn off iMessage's built-in phishing protection for this text.

And of course, replying tells the bad guys that your address (which they may have gotten at random) is real, and keep sending crap.

IN SHORT WHEN IN DOUBT, DO NOT REPLY. Just




Several other sites say the same thing, but this is short, to the point, and has a (unfortunately familiar) graphic.
https://www.macworld.com/article/2575750/hackers-have-devised-a-simple-text-scam-to-bypass-apples-iphone-protections.html
https://www.heise.de/en/news/Against-iMessage-protection-New-phishing-scam-to-trick-Apple-users-10242733.html

[EarlG]

1. Good advice

I don't even open messages if they come from numbers I don't recognize and am not expecting. Just immediately swipe left on the message header, delete, and report as spam.

[Auggie]

4. Yes, good advice. I also block the numbers.

[thinkingagain]

2. Thanks

Interesting
last week or week before
Hubby got one like this and I got the other

I did not know the part about apple disabling the link to protect you if from unknown sender

[ItsjustMe]

3. 🤡 From 3 years ago.

[mitch96]

5. I have gotten quite a few "UPS undeliverable" texts.. I just dump them. If I really have a question I bypass the link

and go straight to UPS website and see what's up...
m

[usonian]

6. Highly recommended. Go to a verified website or call a verified number.

Links can be deceptive. People who are called should call back, but to the known entity's number.

I'd like to say search, but search engines (starts with a G) allow fake names and ads to pop to the top of search results.

Use your judgment.