Web Desk
A woman from Ontario fell victim to a scam after receiving an unexpected text from someone pretending to be her son, ultimately losing $5,710.
“I feel violated and have no idea where my money has gone,” said the Trenton resident, referred to as Sue to protect her identity.
Sue believed her son was facing car trouble and needed financial help. The text read, “Hi Mom. I can’t call with this number, it is for text and data only.”
The sender claimed to have changed service providers and asked, “Could you send an e-transfer? I will pay you back in two days.”
As a concerned mother, Sue did not question the request. She first transferred $2,910 and later sent another $2,800, assuming it was for car repairs.
After sending a total of $5,710, she contacted her family, only to discover that her son had never asked for money. Realizing she had been scammed, Sue was devastated.
“I felt sick to my stomach, completely violated, and unsure where the money went,” she said.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Cybersecurity expert Claudio Popa warns that scammers use text messages to impersonate loved ones, a tactic known as “smishing.”
“This type of fraud involves text messages designed to trick victims into thinking they are helping someone they know,” explained Popa.
He emphasized that any urgent financial request via text should raise suspicion.
“If you receive an urgent message, pause and think before acting. No situation is so urgent that you must respond immediately,” Popa advised.
If the sender insists on secrecy or discourages contacting other family members, it is essential to verify their identity.
“If you have doubts, reach out directly—call them or send an email,” Popa recommended.
A Cautionary Tale
Sue is heartbroken over her loss but hopes sharing her story will prevent others from falling for similar scams.
“I never imagined I would be in this situation,” she admitted.
Experts also warn about other text scams, such as fake tax refund notices or messages claiming to be from banks or delivery services.
These scams often trick recipients into clicking links and sharing personal information.
To stay safe, always verify requests, be cautious of urgent messages, and never send money without confirming the identity of the requester.
