The Silent Thief: Robocalls and Texts

You may have heard numerous stories about how AI is poised to take over the world, but there is a more immediate concern lurking in the shadows of technological advancements. While we worry about the implications of highly sophisticated artificial intelligence, the reality is that everyday technologies like robo-calls and texts are quietly pilfering money from unsuspecting individuals. According to Robokiller, in 2021 alone, Americans have lost a staggering $14 billion to robotexts and an even more alarming $34 billion to robocalls. The scammers responsible for these crimes are constantly refining their tactics to steal money, and their current projection suggests that by the end of the year, the total losses from phone scams could surpass $90 billion.

The messages delivered through these robo-calls and texts often range from fake winnings to enticing travel deals. However, the underlying objective is always the same: to obtain your financial information through fraudulent means. The sheer volume of these malicious communications is astonishing. According to Robokiller’s estimates, between January and June of this year, there were 78 billion robotexts and 31 billion robocalls reported—an 18% increase compared to the same period last year.

So, how can you identify these scams and protect yourself? Generally, one key factor that distinguishes robocalls and texts from legitimate communications is the unfamiliar phone number. Even if the area code appears local, if it’s not a recognized contact in your phonebook, it’s prudent to let it go to voicemail. You don’t have to answer every call. If it’s a person you know, their number will be automatically identified with their name and may even display their picture, depending on your contacts list settings. Regularly updating your contacts list with known individuals and contacts will help filter out potential scams. Personally, I have found it useful to label scam numbers with identifiers like “Spamm” in my contact list. This way, I can easily spot them and avoid falling prey to their attempts.

There are certain red flags to watch out for when dealing with robocalls, texts, and emails. Voicemails are often a clear indication of a scam, as they are typically prerecorded messages you don’t want to hear. Additionally, be cautious when receiving texts with suspicious links—clicking on them can lead to harmful consequences. The same warning applies to emailed links, especially when they promise fake prizes or deliveries using “spoofed” email addresses. Remember, nothing in life is truly free. Even if the offer seems too good to pass up, refrain from engaging with these messages.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers valuable advice on avoiding common phone scams, such as government impersonator scams. If someone reaches out to you unexpectedly, asking for personal information, money transfers, or payment through gift cards, it is undoubtedly a scam. These are immediate red flags indicating that you are being targeted for fraudulent activity. It is important to acknowledge that AI will only enhance the deceptive tactics employed by scammers. That’s why we must learn to ignore most of the junk flooding our phones, email accounts, and mail. Gone are the days when thieves had to physically target banks to steal money. With internet access and robo-dialer software, they can carry out their nefarious deeds more easily and efficiently than ever before.

In conclusion, while the future implications of advanced artificial intelligence remain a concern, it is critical to address the immediate threats that everyday technologies pose. Robo-calls and texts continue to steal billions of dollars from unsuspecting individuals every year. By staying vigilant, following best practices, and exercising caution when dealing with unfamiliar communications, we can minimize our risk and protect ourselves in this ever-evolving digital landscape. Remember, it’s our responsibility to safeguard our personal and financial information from those who seek to exploit it.