Dr. (H) Avi Verma

Be on alert for text message scams, especially when they contain certain phrases. One key phrase to watch out for is “would you kindly.” Although it may seem friendly, it’s often a red flag indicating a potential scam.

Why is “Would You Kindly” a Red Flag?

According to Tim Bajarin, a technology analyst, the word “kindly” is not commonly used in American English. Its frequent use in messages can signal that the sender might be from a foreign country known for scam operations. This phrase, along with poor grammar or spelling, can indicate an unsolicited text aimed at defrauding you.

Other Warning Signs

Doug Shadel, a fraud prevention expert, emphasizes that any unsolicited communication—whether a text, email, or social media message—should raise suspicions. Scammers often start with casual conversation starters like “Hi, how are you?” to build trust before attempting to defraud you. They may eventually ask for personal information, investment opportunities, or gift cards.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text

If you encounter a text containing this phrase, it’s best to delete it immediately. Never click on links or attachments in unsolicited messages. Instead, log in to your accounts independently to verify if the communication was legitimate or call the organization directly using a trusted number.

Reporting Scams

Reporting fraudulent messages is crucial for law enforcement to understand the scope of the issue and allocate resources to combat these scams.

Additional Protection Measures

• Use Mobile Carrier Tools: Take advantage of spam call blocking services from your mobile provider, such as Verizon’s Call Filter or T-Mobile’s Scam Shield.
• Be Skeptical of Deals: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a one-time code to log in.
• Ignore Unsolicited Tech Support Offers: Scammers often pose as tech support representatives claiming to detect problems on your device.

Stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself from text message scams.