Scam #981: phone scam: Americans received 87.8B spam texts, lost $10B in 2021, report finds - ABC11 Raleigh

Documented phone scam: Americans received 87.8B spam texts, lost $10B in 2021, report finds - ABC11 Raleigh (Russia). Scammers pressure victims to transfer money or share SMS codes. If in doubt — stop the contact, call back via the official number, and never share SMS codes.

How the scam works

Scammers impersonate a trusted party, create urgency, and push for a transfer or one-time codes. If the story matches «phone scam: Americans received 87.8B spam texts, lost $10B in 2021, report finds - ABC11 Raleigh», treat it as fraud until proven otherwise via official channels.

What to do

End the call — you do not owe politeness to a scammer
Never share SMS codes or card data
Call the bank or agency only via the official number
Warn family members about this script

Russian version of this scheme →

FAQ

What should I do if this is a phone scam: Americans received 87.8B spam texts, lost $10B i?

Hang up. Call the organization back using the number on the official website or card. Do not transfer money or share SMS codes.

Is this really a scammer?

Real banks and government agencies do not demand urgent transfers or one-time SMS codes over the phone.

How do I protect my family?

Install СтопГенерал on a parent's phone — free for family. The family circle alerts you when a risky call lasts too long.

Related scams

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