If you feel like you’re constantly receiving scam calls, texts, or emails, you’re not alone.
A producer at Local 4 was sent a lengthy text message Tuesday (June 3) afternoon.
According to a new survey, an overwhelming majority are targeted by scammers every week.
We talked to experts on the standard tactics tricksters use and how you can protect yourself.
If you’re checking your email every day, you’ll see a subject line that might make you raise a brow.
“Right away, I’m thinking to myself, you know, is this something that I’ve been expecting?” said CNET Consumer Insights Editor Dashia Milden.
According to a CNET survey, 96% of United States adults receive at least one scam email, text or phone call each week, 90% say they get scam emails on a weekly basis.
Milden says the scam calls and texts are surging, too.
“I’ve got to say that that’s surprising to me, especially when we think about the number of phone calls that we get in terms of scam phone calls. My phone rings constantly, and that’s at 83%, still very high, um, followed by text messages, of course, at 82%.”
CNET Consumer Insights Editor Dashia Milden
In 2024 alone, U.S. adults reported losing a collective $470 million in those sneaky text scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Milden says fraudsters have become so skilled at crafting their messages and creating a sense of urgency that people need to remain vigilant. Especially on phone calls.
“If you don’t know who that person is after you have said hello, don’t say anything further, hang up. And the reason why I say that is so important is because artificial intelligence has evolved to where scammers are actually able to clone your voice and your responses, unfortunately, to use those for scams later.”
CNET Consumer Insights Editor Dashia Milden
Aside from following basic internet safety guidelines, such as not clicking on unknown links and not answering unknown calls, Milden says there are other ways to protect yourself from financial impact by criminals.
“Now is a really good time to freeze your credit, so that way, if they happen to get access to your information. Hey, your credit’s already frozen,” Milden said.
Milden also suggests identity theft protection. Although it won’t prevent you from falling for a scam, you will be alerted if you do.
Last month, the FBI issued a warning about a malicious text and voice messaging campaign involving scammers who impersonated senior U.S. officials to target people, including former or current U.S. officials.