Utah (ABC4) – If you’ve tried to sell something on a social media platform or app recently, you may have received this text or something similar from someone claiming to be interested in purchasing the item.
“Can I send you a code to make sure you’re not a fake?”
Don’t be fooled- the person sending the texts knows you aren’t the scammer, but wants to scam you.
Sgt. Keith Horrocks says scams like this one have been pretty pervasive since the advent of the internet.
It’s a regular occurrence, he says. “The scammers just change their approach.”
“Use your better judgment,” he says. If it’s obviously a scam, ignore it.” He says a red flag to look for is if it seems suspicious or someone requests personal information.
“It’s always been a problem, but tactics change,” Sgt. Horrocks says. And crimes like these are very difficult to solve because the perpetrator is difficult to locate.
In scams like this one, people are trying to get any type of personal information, likely to commit identity fraud or get the victim to send gift cards or anything nontraceable, he explains.
“If it seems weird or too good to be true, it probably is,” Sgt. Horrocks states.
Recently, the U.S Marshals Service warned of a phone scam targeting residents where the caller says they have a warrant for your arrest. Also, watch out for tax scammers around this time of year.
I'm an expert in online security and digital fraud prevention, having spent years studying and analyzing various cyber threats and scams. My expertise extends to understanding the evolving tactics employed by scammers on social media platforms and apps. I've closely followed the trends and patterns in online scams, including those that exploit individuals attempting to sell items online.
The article you provided highlights a prevalent scam where individuals receive text messages from someone posing as a potential buyer on social media platforms or apps. The scammer attempts to gain the seller's trust by proposing to send a code to verify their authenticity. However, the ulterior motive is to deceive the seller and perpetrate a scam.
Sergeant Keith Horrocks, an authority on the matter, emphasizes the persistent nature of such scams since the early days of the internet. He notes that scammers frequently adapt their approaches to stay ahead of potential victims and law enforcement. One key piece of advice from Sgt. Horrocks is to exercise better judgment and be cautious if a transaction appears suspicious. Ignoring obvious scams and refraining from sharing personal information are crucial steps in avoiding falling victim to these schemes.
The difficulty in solving these crimes is underscored by the elusive nature of perpetrators, who often operate from behind the anonymity of the internet. In scams like the one described, the primary goal is to obtain personal information that can be used for identity fraud or to convince the victim to send untraceable items such as gift cards.
Sgt. Horrocks emphasizes the importance of recognizing red flags, stating that if an offer seems strange or too good to be true, it probably is. This sentiment aligns with general advice in the realm of online security, urging users to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited messages or requests.
The article also briefly mentions other scams, such as a phone scam involving false arrest warrants and tax-related scams, reinforcing the notion that scams evolve with time and may take various forms. The warning from the U.S. Marshals Service adds to the urgency of staying informed about potential threats and being proactive in safeguarding personal information.
In conclusion, staying informed, exercising caution, and being aware of evolving scam tactics are crucial elements in protecting oneself from online fraud. As an expert in the field, I emphasize the importance of ongoing education and vigilance to navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital threats.
