If you have a cell phone, you probably use it dozens of times a day to text people you know. But have you ever gotten a text message from an unknown sender? It could be a scammer trying to steal your personal and financial information. Here’s how to handle and report unwanted text messages. Spam Text Messages and Phishing Scammers send fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information — things like your password, account number, or Social Security number. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers often try to get you to click on links in text messages by promising you something. Scammers might: Promise free prizes, gift cards, or coupons — but they’re not real Offer you a low or no interest credit card — but there’s no deal and probably no card Promise to help you pay off your student loans — but they won’t Scammers also send fake messages that say they have information about your account or a transaction. Scammers might: Say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity on your account — but…

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