So, the past few weeks I’ve been receiving spam texts like these:<\/p>\n
“I want to have a crazy night with you. What’s your plan for tonight? (website short URL)”<\/p>\n
“You are a living, breathing sexual fantasy. (website short URL)”<\/p>\n
Obviously I didn’t respond or click on the URLs. However, I did notice that the sender appeared to be texting everyone with a 901-581-xxxx phone number, unaware whether any particular permutation of that number was connected to a phone.<\/p>\n
Yesterday I learned what’s probably going on there. There’s a new scam going around called SIM swapping<\/a>, where the scammer is able to get access to your email, your social media accounts, your bank account login, etc. They’re also able to change your passwords, get two-factor authentication codes and the like. The reason this particular scam is so hard to prevent is that it relies on your phone number, which is not a private piece of information. All they have to do is convince a representative of your phone provider (AT&T, Verizon, or whoever) that they’re you and that they lost their phone and need to get their number – meaning, your<\/em><\/strong> number – switched over to the SIM card in the phone they brought with them.<\/p>\n The FTC has information about protecting yourself from SIM swap scams<\/a>. Obviously, don’t click URLs contained in text messages from unknown senders. Furthermore, I would not even reply “stop” to be taken off their group list, because it gives the scammers the information that your phone number is live.<\/p>\n Knotfest Roadshow<\/a> will make its way to FedExForum Friday, June 12, with performances by Slipknot, A Day to Remember, Underoath, and Code Orange.<\/p>\n The Memphis Flyer has posted job requirements for its Editor<\/a> position now that current editor Bruce VanWyngarden plans on stepping down. They are accepting submissions through March 15.<\/p>\n Congratulations are in order for two members of the Grizzlies:<\/p>\n Show your love this month by giving back! During February, @StJude<\/a> will receive a donation from every purchase of our hand-dipped strawberries. Purchase a box of 6 🍓 in Peabody Deli & Desserts ($3 goes to St. Jude) or purchase a single 🍓 in the Lobby Bar ($1 goes to St. Jude). pic.twitter.com\/QT6H5ctalT<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The Peabody Memphis (@PeabodyMemphis) February 4, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
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