About a year ago, a note was spotted that we would have a near 400% increase in the next 12 months of spam calls …. at the time seemed unreasonable….
Fast forward to today, think the estimate was low….. based on everyone’s experiences…
Cyber Update – Spam Calls and Now More Recent TEXTS
Last week we had a family get together where a reminder went out to all member NOT to answer calls that had a number very similar to any of our and more importantly to NOT click on the new relentless texts that seem to be picking up steam in volume….
Almost got me…. with our cell bill being on auto pay… a nice thank you text from our cell provider followed by a link for a special gift ALMOST got me….
“AT&T Free Msg: August bill is paid. Thanks, [name]! Here’s a little freebie for you: [link].”
Late last week our local paper, The Dallas Morning News ran the following story (think you can read the story even without a subscription…some great screen shot examples)
Here is a great article by the Federal Trade Commission on examples and how to avoid as well…
On Saturday, the family was asked to save any of their fake Texts…. in two days, this is what we ended up with…
The Call Spam filter is busier than ever but certainly does not catch all the spam calls…
Personal Accidental Mistake
Early in the year while on a conference call with two other folks, an attempt to decline an unfamiliar call turned into an accidental answer… the spam call then began recalling about 20 times before I could get off the conference call and block the number….
If it’s important they will leave a message… everyone is getting these same calls, so all will understand…
Don’t recklessly click or answer (reminding myself too) ….
Have a Great “Don’t click the bait” Day!
John A. Kvale CFA, CFP
Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.