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Messaging Scams

Dr. Phish’s Messaging Safety Center

Learn how to spot dangerous messages before they cause trouble!

What Are Messaging Scams?

Messaging scams happen when cybercriminals send fake text messages, chat messages, or direct messages to trick you into sharing personal information, clicking dangerous links, or sending money. They can happen on any messaging platform!

Types of Messaging Scams

📱 Text Message Scams (SMS)

  • Fake messages claiming you’ve won prizes
  • Phony alerts about your accounts being “suspended”
  • Messages with suspicious links
  • Fake delivery notifications when you didn’t order anything

💬 Chat App Scams

  • Strangers trying to become your “friend”
  • People asking for your personal information
  • Fake customer support accounts
  • Romance scams targeting teens

🎯 Social Media Direct Messages

  • Fake influencer accounts offering deals
  • Messages claiming your photos were shared somewhere
  • Fake security alerts about your account
  • Pyramid scheme invitations

🎮 Gaming Platform Messages

  • Fake moderator accounts
  • Scammers offering rare game items
  • Messages about “account violations”
  • Phishing attempts for login credentials

How Messaging Scams Target Kids

🎯 Common Tactics:

  • Curiosity bait: “You won’t believe what someone posted about you!”
  • Fear tactics: “Your account will be deleted in 24 hours!”
  • Fake urgency: “Limited time offer – respond now!”
  • Friendship manipulation: Building trust over time before asking for something
  • Authority impersonation: Pretending to be teachers, parents, or officials

Dr. Phish’s Messaging Safety Rules

  1. Don’t talk to strangers – Never respond to messages from unknown people
  2. Keep personal info private – Never share your address, phone number, or school
  3. Think before you click – Don’t click links from people you don’t know
  4. Tell an adult – Always inform parents about strange messages
  5. Block and report – Use platform tools to stop unwanted contact
  6. Trust your instincts – If something feels wrong, it probably is

Red Flags in Messages

🚨 Danger Signs:

  • Messages from numbers you don’t recognize
  • Poor spelling and grammar
  • Requests for personal information
  • Links to websites you’ve never heard of
  • People claiming to be someone they’re not
  • Messages that make you feel scared or pressured
  • Anyone asking you to keep secrets from parents

Safe Messaging Practices

✅ Smart Messaging Habits:

  • Privacy settings: Only allow messages from friends
  • Parent supervision: Let parents see your messages when asked
  • Official channels: Contact companies through official websites, not message responses
  • Verify identity: If someone claims to know you, ask questions only they would know
  • Screenshot evidence: Save suspicious messages to show adults

Platform-Specific Safety Tips

Text Messages (SMS):

  • Don’t reply to unknown numbers
  • Don’t click links in unexpected texts
  • Forward suspicious texts to your carrier’s spam number

Social Media DMs:

  • Set messages to “friends only”
  • Don’t accept message requests from strangers
  • Report fake accounts immediately

Gaming Chats:

  • Use in-game reporting features
  • Don’t share gaming accounts in chat
  • Be wary of “customer support” messages

What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Message

  1. Don’t respond – Ignore the message completely
  2. Don’t click anything – Links could be dangerous
  3. Show an adult – Parents need to know about suspicious contact
  4. Block the sender – Prevent future messages
  5. Report to the platform – Help protect other users
  6. Delete the message – Remove it from your device