Dodging digital scams is becoming an essential part of navigating modern life. Between keeping up with emails, texts, and social notifications, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered messages that seem just a little… off. The inbox is the new Wild West, and your phone’s notification center isn’t far behind. The prize for scammers? Your personal information, your cash, those pictures of your dog, and maybe even your peace of mind. In this blog post, I’m discussing some common scams, how they’re sneaking into your life, and, most importantly, how you can outsmart them with a healthy dose of skepticism and some easy cyber-safety habits.
Exhibit A: The “Official” Text from the DMV (Not Really…)
Let’s start with a cautionary tale that’s fresh, like happened-to-me-yesterday fresh. Recently, fraudsters parading as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) have been sending scam texts that look official but are anything but. They plopped the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division logo into their fake messages, sprinkled in some poorly phrased threats about unpaid traffic citations, and hoped you’d take the bait. These “smishing” (SMS-phishing) attacks are designed to freak you out and rush you into handing over your personal information or cash.
How can you tell? Here’s how ADOT suggests you spot the red flags:
- Look for wonky grammar and weird phrasing. These texts often sound like they’ve been run through a translation app—twice.
- Check official terminology. In Arizona, it’s the Motor Vehicle Division (“MVD”), not DMV. Little details matter.
- Inspect the law citations. A scam message might say, “Under Arizona Law 15C-16.003, you owe…” That’s not an actual Arizona law. ADOT references are usually like A.R.S. 28-101.
- ADOT doesn’t collect fines by text. Ever. If it seems urgent and demands payment—pause!
Scammers are banking on fear and haste. Don’t give them the satisfaction.
Now let’s be real. You’re probably not just using your phone to text and scammers know it. Here are some of the most common scams a phone-owner, aka everyone, will likely encounter:
The Phishy Email
Ever get an “urgent” email from your bank, PayPal, or even Netflix asking you to “verify your account”? These almost always link to fake login pages designed to harvest your info. Look before you leap, hover over links, double-check sender addresses, and keep your wits about you.
The Social Media Mirage
A DM from a “friend” who suddenly needs money or shares miracle investment tips? Or maybe you’re tagged in a suspicious giveaway or receive a too-good-to-be-true job offer? Yup, scammers love platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Always verify via another channel before sending sensitive information or funds.
The Text Trap (Smishing)
Like our ADOT example, fake messages about packages, unpaid bills, or even IRS issues are everywhere. They usually include a clickable short link. Don’t click—legit institutions won’t operate this way.
Phone Call Fakes (Vishing)
Not a written message, but it deserves a mention: scammers call pretending to be from your bank, the IRS, or even tech support from “Microsoft.” They pressure you for information or ask you to install remote access software. Hang up and call back using official numbers.
Here’s how you can stay one step ahead—without becoming a hermit who never replies to anything (unless that’s your preferred version of retirement, in which case happy hermit-ing!):
Listen to Your Instincts
- If it’s urgent, asks for personal info, or wants money—pause.
- When in doubt, reach out to the organization directly (using their real website or app).
Inspect Before You Click
- Never click unknown links in texts, emails, or DMs.
- Hover over links in emails to see the true URL.
- Don’t download attachments unless you’re absolutely sure they’re legitimate.
Get Technical
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account (you only need to remember the one for your password manager app).
- Enable two-factor authentication everywhere you can.
- Keep your device software and antivirus up to date.
Trust, But Verify (…and Maybe Just Don’t Trust)
- Messages from someone you know, but with weird requests? Call or text them separately to confirm.
- Double-check the “from” email address—a lot of scams use lookalike domains.
Bonus: Report and Delete
- Don’t engage with the scammer. Delete texts and report phishing emails or suspicious accounts to your provider or organization.
Here’s what the experts and government agencies keep repeating: you’re not being rude or paranoid for double-checking before you click or respond. In fact, a little skepticism is the smartest move in today’s digital world. Scammers are banking on you being too busy or too polite. Don’t give them that power. Stay sharp, stay cynical (online!), and keep your finances—and your personal info—safe from the scammers’ latest plots
Stay alert,
Chandler