Illinois attorney general urges the public to be alert for scam texts and emails

Posted on June 21, 2023
“Smishing” is becoming more prevalent. That’s where scammers reach out via text. (WJBC file photo)

By IIS Radio

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is urging the public to watch out for email and text message scams.

First there was phishing, where con artists send an email to try to get you to click on a link or obtain your personal information.

But now – “smishing” is becoming more prevalent. That’s where scammers reach out via text.

“My advice to consumers and the public at large is to not click on a link from anybody you are unfamiliar with,” said Raoul. “Even the companies we are familiar with, some of these scammers pretend to be those entities, so you have to be very careful.”

Raoul also advises against sending the word “stop” to a bogus text message because replying confirms the phone number is active and that you’re willing to open such messages.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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