FBI warns about silent text scams

A detailed look at the FBI warning about silent text scams and the new tools to verify messages.

Smartphones Face Silent Text Scams Under FBI Warning

Text scams are evolving beyond fake links. The FBI warns that attackers now send messages that look like ordinary texts and only ask you to reply. A single reply can start a longer scam that targets your money or personal data, including crypto schemes and romance scams, with losses rising to about 470 million dollars last year according to the FTC.

New defense tools are being piloted in Australia and by cybersecurity firms. Commonwealth Bank has added a Scam Check feature within its Truyu identity app to let users upload a message for one-time verification. Malwarebytes offers Scam Guard to check texts, shipping alerts, dating and job scams by uploading a screenshot, number, or URL. The aim is to give people a quick way to verify messages and reduce damage.

These non-click texts rely on trust and normal conversation, creating a new challenge for users and for regulators. The push for tools that analyze user submissions raises questions about privacy, data use, and consent, even as such tools can prevent serious losses. The article frames this as progress that will require ongoing oversight to stay effective as scammers adapt.

The broader trend is a shift from link-based tricks to social-engineering that starts with a simple prompt. That growth will test everyday skepticism and the ability of platforms, banks, and law enforcement to respond quickly while safeguarding user data. The result could be smarter, user-driven defense if guided by clear rules and robust safeguards.

Highlights

Vigilance and better tools together will define the next phase of digital safety.