9 Chapter 9: AI and Text Message Scams
How to Spot and Stop Scammers Hiding Behind Seemingly Friendly Texts
Have you ever received a strange text from “Amazon,” “Wells Fargo,” or even “your granddaughter”? Did it include a link, a warning, or a request for help? There’s a name for this: smishing. Smishing is a combination of “SMS” (texting) and “phishing.” And now, scammers are using AI to make these messages sound even more believable.
This chapter shows you how to recognize scam texts, what to do (and not do), and how to protect your phone and peace of mind.
What Makes AI Text Scams So Convincing?
Scammers use AI tools like ChatGPT or email generators to create:
- Polished, error-free messages
- Emotional or urgent wording
- Fake confirmations or alerts that feel familiar
These texts may look like:
- “Your package couldn’t be delivered. Click here to reschedule.”
- “Unusual activity on your bank account. Verify now.”
They’re designed to make you act quickly before thinking it through.
Common Text Message Red Flags
| Message Type | Red Flag |
| “Click here to fix your account” | Real companies never ask you to fix problems through links |
| “You won a prize!” | Scammers use excitement to get personal info |
| “This is urgent, don’t tell anyone” | Emotional pressure is a major warning sign |
| “We couldn’t deliver your package” | Amazon or USPS won’t text you unless you signed up for alerts |
| “Family member in trouble” | Verify by calling them directly. It may be a fake message or voice clone |
How to Respond to Suspicious Texts
- Do not click any links
- Do not reply to the message, even to say “STOP”. This can confirm your number is active
- Do not call back numbers you don’t recognize
- Take a screenshot, then delete the message
- Block the number if it’s unfamiliar or spammy
Proactive Step: Save your bank’s number and your delivery service contacts in your phone so you’ll always know what’s real.
Tools That Can Help You
| Tool | What It Does | Where to Get It |
| Spam Blocker Apps (Hiya, RoboKiller, Truecaller) | Filters scam texts and calls | Available in app stores |
| Phone Carrier Filters (AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter) | Built-in scam protection | Contact your phone company |
| ChatGPT | Ask: “Is this text message a scam?” | Paste a message (without personal info) and get feedback |
| FTC’s Report Fraud Tool | Report scam texts | reportfraud.ftc.gov |
Hypothetical Scenario: “That Link Almost Got Me”
Joanne, 73, received a text saying her Wells Fargo account was frozen and she needed to click a link to unlock it. It looked very real. The grammar was perfect and it even had the bank’s logo.
But before she clicked, she remembered her daughter’s advice: “No bank ever asks you to fix problems by text.”
She called Wells Fargo directly using the number on her card. It was a scam.
Proactive Step: If you get a scary or surprising text, pause. Then call the company or person directly using a trusted number.