This morning I received a text message from an unfamiliar number. At first I was just puzzled by it…
It seemed harmless enough. Just a case of mistaken identity, right?
At this point, we’re fine. I was suspicious and remained cautious not to give any personal information.
The tendency here is to try to explain that she had the wrong person by telling her my name and location – just to thoroughly convince the person that I’m not Judy from California. But that’s not necessary, and I know that there are nefarious data miners out there who send such messages in order to gain personal info so they can sell it or use it for fraudulent purposes.
If it had stopped there, I might have believed it was genuinely someone who made an innocent mistake. But moments later, this follow up text came through…
To some people, it may still seem innocent. But it’s not. Carefully selected words were used, compliments designed to put you at ease and stroke your ego a little bit. You’re such a nice person. I’m glad to have met you. And then, the request for personal information – where are you located?
Nope. That’s where I put a stop to it. No further response. Block the sender’s number. The end.
Never EVER give any kind of personal data to ANYONE you don’t know. If it feels suspect, trust that gut instinct. Recognize words and phrases meant to manipulate you. Be polite, but realize that not everyone is who they say they are. Fraud is rampant, and tricksters are everywhere.
This isn’t being cynical. It’s being careful. This is the world we live in. Don’t be a victim.
