Ah, Michigan, the land of beautiful lakes and unpredictable weather. But lately, it seems like we're also a hotspot for some pretty sketchy texting scams.

 

Picture this: you’re minding your own business, enjoying a nice summer day, when your phone buzzes. You glance at it and see a message saying, "Hey, I'm calling you" or, even weirder, "Dude, what the heck!" Instinctively, you think it’s a friend trying to reach you, but something feels off.

Texting Scam Hitting Michigan

These texts are actually part of a sneaky scam that’s been making the rounds in our beloved state. As of recently, my phone has been hit non-stop with them.

Nathan Vandenburg TSM
Nathan Vandenburg TSM
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The scammers want you to respond or click on a link, which can lead to all sorts of trouble, from malware to stolen personal information. It's like inviting a mosquito into your house—it’s only going to cause you problems.

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So, how do you dodge these digital pests? First off, don’t respond to these messages, no matter how curious or annoyed you might feel. Secondly, don’t click any links they might contain. Instead, block the number immediately.

Nathan Vandenburg TSM
Nathan Vandenburg TSM
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Most smartphones have a simple way to block contacts, and it’s worth the few seconds it takes. Also, report the number to your carrier. They’re getting pretty good at tracking down and stopping these scams.

It should be noted too, that if you get a mass influx of these at once, you should check your email and bank statements. Scammers will occasionally try and overload your phone to distract you.

Lastly, keep your guard up and spread the word. Let your friends and family know about these scams so they don’t fall victim either. Stay safe out there, Michigan!

LOOK: The biggest scams today and how you can protect yourself from them

Using data from the BBB Scam Tracker Annual Risk Report, Stacker identified the most common and costly types of scams in 2022.

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