Scam texts are becoming increasingly common, and scammers are constantly devising new tactics to lure unsuspecting victims. Recently, a specific phrase has been identified as a major red flag in scam messages: “Would you kindly.” While it may sound polite, this phrase could mean you’re dealing with a scammer. Here’s why these three words should make you think twice before engaging with the sender.
The Red Flag: Why ‘Would You Kindly’ Is a Warning Sign
At first glance, “Would you kindly” might seem harmless or even polite. However, technology experts and fraud prevention specialists warn that this phrase is often used by scammers operating from overseas. According to Tim Bajarin, a seasoned technology analyst, the word “kindly” is not commonly used in everyday American English but is often found in countries with a British influence, such as Nigeria, India, and Pakistan. The use of “kindly” can, therefore, serve as an indicator that the message might not be from a trusted source.
“Any time you see this word or phrase, it’s a red flag, just like spotting poor grammar or spelling mistakes in a message,” says Bajarin. Scammers rely on phrases like this to make their messages seem polite and trustworthy, but in reality, they’re setting you up for a potential scam.
Scammers Know You’re on Alert: How Tactics Are Changing
As consumers become more aware of typical scam signals, scammers adapt by changing their tactics. They’ve moved beyond poorly worded messages and now focus on appearing friendly and conversational to lure you into a false sense of security. Doug Shadel, a former fraud investigator, explains that scammers use phrases like “Did I miss you today?” or “Hi, how are you?” to seem innocent and relatable.
The goal is simple: they want you to respond. Once you do, they can start building a rapport and eventually move toward asking you for something — often a financial investment, gift cards, or personal information that can be used for identity theft.
Common Phrases Scammers Use to Gain Your Trust
Scammers have perfected the art of sounding harmless. Some common phrases you might receive in an unsolicited message include:
- “Would you kindly help me with…”
- “Can you kindly confirm your details?”
- “Hi, did I miss you?”
Each of these phrases is meant to prompt you to respond and engage in a conversation. Once you reply, you’re more likely to continue the interaction, which gives the scammer more opportunities to exploit you.
The Tricks Behind Friendly-Looking Messages
Most scam texts start with open-ended questions or statements that don’t immediately raise suspicion. For example:
- “I’ll be late for the meeting.”
- “Did you get my last message?”
- “Are you free for a quick chat?”
Responding to any of these could lead to a request for money, personal information, or an offer that sounds too good to be true. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reported that scammers often use these conversation starters to build trust. Once they believe you’re comfortable, they’ll typically ask for something that can benefit them financially — whether it’s investment in a fake cryptocurrency scheme or sending gift cards to “help” a friend.
Why You Should Never Respond to Unknown Messages
Even if a message sounds friendly or urgent, if it’s unsolicited, your best response is no response. Responding to a scam message lets the sender know your number is active, which could lead to more frequent scams or even calls from other fraudsters. Fraud prevention experts recommend deleting these messages right away and reporting them as spam or junk.
Shadel emphasizes, “If you didn’t initiate this correspondence, it’s likely a scam.” The best action is to delete the message and block the number. If the message claims to be from a reputable institution, like a bank, law enforcement agency, or government organization, verify the information independently by visiting the organization’s website or calling them directly using the number listed on their official site.
What to Do If a Message Claims to Be from a Legitimate Source
Sometimes, scam messages impersonate familiar institutions such as banks, insurance companies, or government agencies. If you receive an unsolicited message claiming to be from a reputable organization, follow these steps to protect yourself:
- Do Not Click on Any Links – Links can lead to fake websites designed to steal your information. Clicking on a link can also trigger malware downloads on your device.
- Don’t Enter Any Personal Information – Reputable organizations will never ask for sensitive information via text message. If you’re unsure, log into your account directly or contact the organization through official channels.
- Call the Organization Directly – Use the official website to find the contact number and call the organization to confirm if the message was legitimate. Never use the phone number or email address provided in the suspicious message.
Report Scam Messages to Help Others
Reporting scam messages is essential because it helps law enforcement track scam operations and prevent others from falling victim. Most smartphones allow you to mark texts as “Spam” or “Junk,” which can aid in filtering out future scam messages.
You can also report scam messages to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) or by filing a report on the FTC website. Shadel emphasizes the importance of reporting these messages: “Law enforcement needs to know the extent of the issue to devote more resources to stopping scammers.”
Stay Vigilant: Protect Yourself and Others
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their methods, and they’re using polite-sounding phrases like “Would you kindly” to catch you off guard. While it might seem harmless, remember that genuine friends, family, or businesses won’t typically use such formal language. If something feels off, it probably is.
In today’s digital age, staying vigilant is essential to protecting your personal information and finances. Always question unsolicited messages, don’t click on unfamiliar links, and avoid engaging with unknown contacts. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of these ever-evolving scams.
Conclusion: Think Twice Before You Reply
In the end, a little caution goes a long way. Scam texts may sound friendly, but they’re designed to exploit your trust. Phrases like “Would you kindly” should immediately raise your suspicion. When you receive an unsolicited message, it’s best to delete it, report it, and move on. Protect yourself, stay informed, and don’t let scammers take advantage of your good nature.
