We all think we’re savvy enough to avoid falling for scams, especially the ones that come via text, but it’s easier than you might realize. One reason is the sheer variety of scams, from “smishing” to simple one-step cons. Unfortunately, experts are now warning of yet another text scam and how to spot it.
Many of us have likely encountered scam texts over the years. Obvious red flags like poor spelling, suspicious links, or unfamiliar numbers usually give them away. However, some scam messages are more subtle. An expert has pointed out three specific words to watch for.
The Phrase
Tim Bajarin, chairman of the market research company Creative Strategies in San Jose, California, told Reader’s Digest that the phrase “would you kindly” should raise concern when seen in a text message.
Why? Bajarin explains that while “kindly” is commonly used in British English and is associated with frequent politeness, it’s not typical in American English. He notes that you often hear this phrase in countries where English isn’t the first language or in former British colonies. This can be a clue that the message may come from an overseas “boiler room” scam operation that uses high-pressure sales tactics. He added, “If you see this word or phrase, it’s a red flag, similar to spotting poor spelling or grammar.”
So, what should you do if you get such a message?
Doug Shade, a former fraud investigator and founder of Fraud Prevention Strategies, advises against clicking any links in “imposter” messages claiming to be from institutions like Bank of America or the IRS. Instead, if you’re unsure, log into the account independently using your own credentials—not the ones provided in the message—to check if the institution really tried to contact you.