In this issue:

This hasn't happened to me yet, but I wanted to warn you of a new phone text risk.

If you get a random text message that ends with “reply STOP to unsubscribe,” don’t assume it’s a legitimate business. If you don’t recognize the sender, replying at all can make things worse.

Here’s why: scammers send bulk texts to huge lists of phone numbers, many of which are old, recycled, or simply guessed. Their first goal is not always to trick you into clicking a link. Often, it’s to find out which numbers belong to real people.

When you reply “STOP,” you confirm three valuable details: the number is active, someone reads texts on it, and they’re willing to engage. That makes your number more valuable for future scams, and it can land you on “active number” lists that get shared or sold.

Once they know your number is live, the next messages may be more convincing: fake bank alerts, “account locked” warnings, job offers, or urgent “family emergency” texts. Some scammers also use the response to time follow-up calls and targeted phishing attempts.

What should you do instead?

If the text is from a company you actually use and you want fewer messages, unsubscribe through the official app or website, or reply STOP only when you are sure the sender is legitimate. Otherwise, the safest move is simple: block and move on.

Buying a car is stressful enough without someone trying to trick you. Unfortunately, scams show up in every corner of the process: online listings, private sellers, and even “helpful” middlemen who claim they can handle paperwork for you.

We recently sold a car to Carvana because I didn’t want to risk getting scammed as a seller. But what’s worse is when the person trying to buy a car gets scammed, because they’re often stretching their budget, relying on that car for work or family, and they can lose thousands in minutes.

Here are the most common car buying scams and how to avoid them.

1) The too-good-to-be-true listing. A vehicle is advertised far below market price with great photos and a story that pressures you to act fast (“I’m moving,” “military deployment,” “selling for a relative”). The scammer usually asks for a deposit to “hold” the car, then disappears. Never send money before you see the car in person and verify the seller has the right to sell it.

2) Fake escrow, fake shipping, fake protection. Scammers love to promise an escrow service and send a link to a lookalike website. Or they claim they can deliver the car after you pay a “refundable transport fee.” Legit escrow services exist, but you should find them yourself, not through a link a stranger sends. If the seller won’t allow an in-person inspection or insists on shipping only, walk away.

3) VIN and title tricks. Some sellers “wash” a title to hide salvage or flood history, or they provide a VIN that doesn’t match the actual car. Always check the VIN in multiple places: the dashboard, driver-side door jamb, and the title paperwork. If anything is inconsistent, stop the deal. Also be cautious of “duplicate title” excuses that delay documentation.

4) Payment pressure and unusual methods. Wire transfers, crypto, gift cards, and payment apps without buyer protection are common scam tools. A legitimate private sale can be paid safely, but you should choose the method, not the person rushing you. A good approach is meeting at your bank so a cashier’s check can be verified on the spot.

5) Dealer bait-and-switch and financing surprises. Some shady dealers advertise a low price, then pile on mandatory fees, surprise add-ons, or switch loan terms at signing. Ask for the out-the-door price in writing, read every line, and be willing to leave.

If you remember one thing: slow down. Scammers win when you feel rushed, embarrassed, or afraid of missing out. A real seller will let you verify the details. A scammer will try to hurry you past them.

Most of the time these will be companies that you don’t have any personal data with, but scan the names to make sure you aren’t affected.

Do you have an idea for a future newsletter? Please reply to this email and let me know.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,
Cassie Crossley
Founder, Cyber Safe Center
https://www.cybersafecenter.com