Hello…Is It Scams You’re Looking For?

Ever get a random text that just says “Hello?” No context, no name—just a lonely little greeting from a number you don’t recognize?

It might seem harmless. Maybe it’s a wrong number. Maybe someone’s trying to reconnect. Maybe…it’s a scam.

That seemingly innocent “hello” could be the opening line of a smishing attempt, otherwise known as SMS phishing. Here’s how it works: scammers send out vague, friendly messages like “Hello” or “Hi” to random phone numbers, just waiting for someone to take the bait and respond. Once you do, they know your number is real—and from there, the scam begins.

These scammers often keep chatting to build trust. Before you know it, they might be asking you to “verify” your identity or send sensitive information. What started as a simple “hello” can quickly spiral into a major threat to your personal or financial security.

There are easy ways to protect yourself. Follow these simple tips to help keep your information safe:

• If you think you’ve received a smishing text, block the number and mark it as junk or spam on your mobile device.
• Don’t respond to texts from numbers you don’t recognize. It’s better to be safe than polite.

Ignoring weird messages isn’t rude—it’s smart.

Want more tips on how to safeguard your information? Visit BNH’s Privacy & Security page at BNH.Bank to get the information you need to keep scammers at bay.

Credit: KnowBe4