How to Prevent Social Engineering Over Text or Chat: 9 Essential Defense Tactics

The ping of a new message arrives. It appears to be from your bank, a coworker, or even a family member in distress. They’re asking for sensitive information or immediate action. But is it really them? In today’s hyper-connected world, social engineering attacks via text messages and chat platforms have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting our natural instincts to be helpful and responsive.

Social engineering over text and chat platforms has become one of the most prevalent cyber threats facing families and individuals. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $8.8 billion to scams in 2022, with a significant portion initiated through text messages and messaging apps. These attacks succeed because they exploit human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities.

At Batten Cyber, we’ve seen firsthand how these attacks can devastate families financially and emotionally. This comprehensive guide will equip you with practical strategies to recognize and prevent social engineering attempts that arrive via text messages, chat apps, and other messaging platforms.

Understanding Text-Based Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering attacks over text or chat are psychological manipulations designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information or taking harmful actions. Unlike technical hacking methods that exploit software vulnerabilities, these attacks target human vulnerability—our tendency to trust, desire to help, fear of missing out, or response to authority. The digital nature of text communication makes these attacks particularly effective since we can’t rely on visual or vocal cues that might otherwise help us detect deception.

Common text-based social engineering tactics include:

Phishing texts (smishing): Messages claiming to be from legitimate organizations that contain malicious links or request sensitive information
Impersonation: Pretending to be a friend, family member, colleague, or authority figure to gain trust
Urgency manipulation: Creating false time pressure to force hasty decisions
Emotional manipulation: Exploiting fear, curiosity, or desire to elicit responses
Pretexting: Creating a fabricated scenario to extract information

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that business email compromise (which often extends to text and chat platforms) resulted in $2.7 billion in losses in 2022 alone. These attacks continue to evolve in sophistication, making awareness and prevention strategies essential for everyone who communicates digitally.

9 Essential Strategies to Prevent Social Engineering Over Text

1. Verify Sender Identity Through Alternative Channels

When you receive a suspicious or unexpected request via text or chat, especially one involving sensitive information or financial transactions, never respond directly through the same channel. Instead, verify the sender’s identity through a different, trusted communication method. This multi-channel verification approach is one of the most effective defenses against impersonation attacks.

For example, if you receive a text from your “bank” asking about account details, don’t reply to the text. Instead:

Call your bank’s official number (from their website or the back of your card, not from the text)
Log into your banking app or website directly (not through links in the message)
Visit a local branch if possible

Similarly, if a “friend” or “family member” sends an unusual request, call them directly or verify through video chat before taking action. According to the AARP, simply implementing this verification step can prevent the majority of successful social engineering attacks.

2. Be Skeptical of Urgent Requests and Emotional Appeals

Social engineers frequently create false urgency to bypass your critical thinking. They know that when we feel rushed or emotionally triggered, we’re more likely to act impulsively rather than carefully evaluate the situation. This tactic appears in various forms across text and chat platforms.

Red flags that should trigger your skepticism include:

Messages claiming your account will be closed or compromised unless you “act now”
Unexpected “emergencies” requiring immediate financial assistance
Limited-time offers that seem too good to be true
Threats of negative consequences if you don’t respond quickly
Messages designed to trigger strong emotional responses like fear, excitement, or curiosity

When faced with urgent requests, take a moment to pause and assess. Legitimate organizations rarely demand immediate action via text without prior communication. If someone claims to be in an emergency, verify their identity through other channels before taking action. The National Cybersecurity Alliance recommends adopting a “stop, think, connect” mindset when evaluating any urgent digital communication.

3. Scrutinize Links and Attachments Before Clicking

Malicious links in text messages and chat platforms are primary vectors for delivering malware, stealing credentials, or directing you to fraudulent websites. Social engineers often disguise these links using URL shorteners or by making them appear legitimate at first glance.

Before clicking any link in a text or chat message:

Hover over the link (when possible) to preview the actual destination URL
Check for subtle misspellings in the domain (like “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”)
Be wary of URL shorteners (like bit.ly or tinyurl) when you can’t see the full destination
Consider using a link-checking service or security tool to verify links before clicking
When in doubt, manually navigate to the company’s official website instead of using the provided link

According to Verizon’s 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, approximately 36% of data breaches involve phishing, with malicious links playing a major role in these attacks. By developing a habit of scrutinizing links before clicking, you significantly reduce your vulnerability to these common attack vectors.

4. Establish Communication Protocols With Colleagues and Family

One powerful preventive measure against social engineering is establishing clear communication protocols with the people you regularly interact with. This creates a baseline of expected behavior that makes unusual requests easier to identify.

With your family members and close colleagues, consider establishing these ground rules:

Agree never to request sensitive information or financial transactions via text or chat without verbal confirmation
Create verification questions or code words that only legitimate contacts would know
Establish which channels are appropriate for different types of requests
Discuss how to handle urgent situations in advance
Educate family members, especially children and seniors, about social engineering tactics

For workplace settings, formal communication protocols are even more important. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends that organizations implement clear policies for handling sensitive requests, particularly those involving financial transactions or access credentials. When everyone follows established protocols, social engineering attempts become much easier to spot.

5. Protect Personal Information in Digital Conversations

The information you share in text and chat conversations can become ammunition for social engineers. Even seemingly innocent details can be pieced together to create convincing targeted attacks or to impersonate you to others. Practicing strong data minimization habits in your digital communications creates fewer opportunities for attackers.

Information to avoid sharing through text or chat includes:

Social Security numbers, account numbers, or passwords (even partial ones)
Financial information including credit card details
Personal identifying information like your date of birth, mother’s maiden name, or address
Detailed travel plans or when your home will be empty
Information about your workplace security procedures or access methods

The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse recommends treating your personal information as valuable currency and being intentional about when and where you “spend” it. Remember that legitimate organizations typically don’t request sensitive information through text messages or chat platforms. If you need to share sensitive information, use secure, encrypted channels designed for that purpose.

6. Recognize Common Social Engineering Scenarios

Social engineers often rely on predictable scenarios that have proven effective. By familiarizing yourself with these common approaches, you can more quickly recognize and avoid them. Education about these tactics is one of your strongest defenses against becoming a victim.

Be especially vigilant about these frequently used scenarios:

The “friend in trouble” scam: Messages claiming to be from a friend or family member who needs money urgently
Banking alerts: Texts claiming to be from your bank about suspicious activity, account freezes, or verification needs
Package delivery notifications: Messages about a delivery problem requiring action
Prize or lottery winnings: Notifications of unexpected winnings requiring payment of “fees” to collect
Tech support messages: Texts claiming your device is infected or your account has been compromised
Work-related urgent requests: Messages appearing to be from bosses or colleagues requesting unusual actions

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regularly updates its database of common text scams and recommends reporting suspicious messages to help identify new trends. Staying informed about current social engineering tactics helps you maintain awareness of evolving threats.

7. Use Security Tools and Features

Modern technology offers various tools and features specifically designed to help protect against social engineering attempts. Leveraging these technological defenses provides an additional layer of protection beyond your personal vigilance.

Consider implementing these security measures:

Spam filtering apps that can identify and block suspicious text messages
Advanced security features in messaging apps like end-to-end encryption and message verification
Two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts that offer it, preferably using an authenticator app rather than SMS
Security software that includes phishing protection features
Privacy settings on social media to limit the personal information available to potential attackers

A comprehensive identity theft protection service can provide additional safeguards by monitoring for suspicious activity across your digital footprint. These services often include alerts about potential social engineering attempts targeting your personal information. According to cybersecurity experts at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), layered security approaches that combine human awareness with technological protections offer the most robust defense against social engineering.

8. Report Suspicious Messages

Reporting suspicious messages serves two important purposes: it helps authorities track and combat social engineering trends, and it can prevent others from falling victim to the same attacks. Taking the time to report these attempts contributes to broader cybersecurity efforts.

When you receive suspicious texts or chat messages:

Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (SPAM), which helps mobile carriers identify and block spam sources
Report phishing attempts to the organization being impersonated (using their official contact information)
File reports with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Submit reports to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for significant attempts
Use platform-specific reporting features on messaging apps and social media

The Anti-Phishing Working Group, which tracks phishing trends globally, emphasizes that user reporting plays a crucial role in identifying new attack vectors and protecting the broader community. Your individual reports contribute to this collective defense system.

9. Stay Informed About Emerging Threats

Social engineering tactics continuously evolve as attackers develop new approaches and adapt to changing technologies. Staying informed about current threats helps you maintain effective defenses against the latest techniques.

Resources for staying updated include:

Subscribing to cybersecurity newsletters from reputable organizations
Following trusted security experts and organizations on social media
Regularly checking updates from government agencies like CISA and the FTC
Participating in community forums focused on cybersecurity awareness
Setting up Google Alerts for terms like “new text scam” or “social engineering attack”

Organizations like the National Cybersecurity Alliance provide regular updates on emerging threats and best practices for protection. Making cybersecurity education an ongoing priority helps you adapt your defenses as threats evolve.

Special Considerations for Different Messaging Platforms

SMS Text Messages

Standard SMS text messages present unique security challenges because they lack the encryption and security features of many modern messaging apps. This makes them particularly vulnerable to various social engineering tactics. Additionally, SMS messages can be spoofed to appear as if they’re coming from legitimate sources, including banks, government agencies, or known contacts.

When dealing with SMS messages:

Be especially cautious of unexpected texts claiming to be from businesses or organizations
Never reply directly to suspicious texts, as this confirms your number is active
Consider using carrier-provided spam filtering services
Be aware that legitimate businesses typically don’t initiate contact via SMS for sensitive matters
Remember that SMS-based two-factor authentication can be intercepted through SIM swapping attacks

The telecommunications industry is working to implement technologies like STIR/SHAKEN to reduce caller ID spoofing in text messages, but these protections are still developing. Until more robust security measures are standard, extra vigilance with SMS messages is essential.

Business Messaging Platforms

Workplace messaging platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and other business chat tools have become prime targets for social engineers. These attacks often leverage organizational hierarchies and work pressures to manipulate employees. According to IBM’s X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, business email compromise and related messaging platform attacks remain among the most financially damaging cyber threats.

Special considerations for business platforms include:

Verifying unusual requests from superiors, especially those involving financial transactions or credential sharing
Being cautious of unexpected external users who may have gained limited access to your organization’s platform
Checking profile details carefully, as impersonators may create accounts with names very similar to colleagues
Following company security policies for handling sensitive information on messaging platforms
Reporting suspicious activity to your IT security team immediately

Many organizations are implementing specific security training for messaging platform safety, recognizing the unique social engineering risks these tools present in professional environments.

Social Media and Personal Messaging Apps

Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and similar apps present their own social engineering challenges. These platforms often leverage personal connections and can access significant amounts of personal information, making targeted attacks more convincing. The informal nature of these platforms can also lower users’ guard against potential threats.

When using personal messaging apps:

Regularly review and restrict your privacy settings to limit who can contact you
Be suspicious of messages from rarely-used or newly-created accounts, even if they appear to be from known contacts
Use available security features like message verification and disappearing messages when appropriate
Be cautious about clicking on links or downloading files, even from trusted contacts whose accounts may have been compromised
Consider using separate messaging platforms for sensitive communications versus casual conversations

Meta (formerly Facebook) reported blocking over 1.5 billion fake accounts in a single quarter of 2022, highlighting the scale of potential impersonation threats on these platforms. The personal nature of these messaging services makes vigilance particularly important.

Teaching Children and Seniors About Text-Based Social Engineering

Children and older adults are often specifically targeted by social engineers who exploit their potentially limited experience with digital threats or their different approaches to online trust. Tailored education for these vulnerable groups is essential for family cybersecurity.

Strategies for Educating Children

Children’s natural trust and limited life experience can make them vulnerable to social engineering. However, with age-appropriate education, they can develop healthy skepticism and safe communication habits. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children recommends these approaches:

Establish clear rules about who they can communicate with digitally
Teach them never to share personal information or photos with people they don’t know in real life
Encourage them to tell a trusted adult about any uncomfortable or strange messages
Use age-appropriate examples to explain common tricks people might use online
Consider using parental control tools that monitor messaging for potential threats

Regular, open conversations about digital safety create an environment where children feel comfortable reporting suspicious interactions rather than hiding them out of fear or embarrassment.

Supporting Older Adults

Seniors are disproportionately targeted by and vulnerable to social engineering attacks. According to the FBI, adults over 60 lost nearly $3 billion to internet crime in 2022, with social engineering playing a significant role. Effective education for older adults acknowledges their life experience while addressing potential gaps in technical knowledge.

Focus on practical examples rather than technical explanations
Relate digital scams to familiar historical scams they may already understand
Create simple reference guides for common warning signs
Set up regular check-ins to discuss any suspicious communications they’ve received
Help configure security settings on their devices and messaging apps
Emphasize that legitimate organizations won’t pressure them or request sensitive information via text

The AARP’s Fraud Resource Center provides excellent materials specifically designed for older adults to understand and recognize social engineering attempts. Patience and respect are key when helping seniors develop their digital security awareness.

What to Do If You’ve Responded to a Social Engineering Attempt

Despite our best efforts, social engineers are increasingly sophisticated, and anyone can become a victim. If you realize you’ve responded to a social engineering attempt via text or chat, taking immediate action can help minimize potential damage.

Immediate Response Steps

The first hours after responding to a social engineering attempt are critical. Acting quickly can potentially prevent or limit the damage:

Break contact immediately and don’t engage further with the suspected social engineer
Change passwords for any accounts that may be compromised, starting with the most sensitive ones
Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it
Contact financial institutions if you’ve shared financial information or suspect financial compromise
Document everything by taking screenshots of the conversation and saving any relevant information

The Federal Trade Commission recommends creating a recovery plan that prioritizes your most sensitive accounts and information. Their IdentityTheft.gov website provides step-by-step guidance for different types of information compromise.

Long-Term Recovery and Prevention

After addressing the immediate concerns, these longer-term steps help ensure ongoing protection:

Monitor your accounts and credit reports for any unusual activity
Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus
Update security software on all your devices
Review your social media privacy settings and digital footprint
Report the incident to relevant authorities and platforms
Consider using identity theft protection services for ongoing monitoring

Many victims of social engineering experience shame or embarrassment, but it’s important to remember that these attacks are specifically designed to bypass rational thinking by exploiting fundamental human psychology. Sharing your experience with trusted friends and family can actually help protect them from similar attacks.

The Future of Text-Based Social Engineering

As we look ahead, several emerging trends are shaping the evolution of social engineering attacks via text and chat platforms. Understanding these developments can help you prepare for future threats.

AI-Generated Content and Deepfakes

Artificial intelligence is dramatically changing the landscape of social engineering. AI tools can now generate highly convincing text that mimics the writing style of specific individuals, making impersonation attacks more believable. Voice deepfakes that can simulate known voices in audio messages are also becoming more accessible and convincing.

These technologies enable more sophisticated attacks such as:

AI-generated messages that perfectly mimic a friend or colleague’s writing style
Synthetic voice messages that sound exactly like a family member in distress
Automated conversation flows that can maintain convincing dialogue
Personalized scam messages created from data aggregated from multiple sources

The Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report indicates that AI-powered social engineering represents one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity threats. Developing verification protocols that don’t rely solely on recognizing communication style or voice will become increasingly important.

Emerging Defensive Technologies

Fortunately, defensive technologies are also evolving to counter these sophisticated threats. Several promising developments include:

AI-powered security tools that can detect subtle patterns indicating social engineering attempts
Advanced authentication methods that go beyond passwords and traditional 2FA
Blockchain-based verification systems for confirming digital identity
Integrated security features within messaging platforms themselves
Behavioral analysis tools that can identify unusual patterns in communication

Security researchers at organizations like DARPA and major tech companies are actively developing countermeasures to address emerging social engineering threats. Staying informed about these developments and adopting new security technologies as they become available will be crucial for maintaining strong defenses.

Conclusion: Building a Culture of Healthy Skepticism

Preventing social engineering over text and chat ultimately requires developing a mindset of healthy skepticism—one that balances necessary caution with the ability to communicate effectively in our digital world. The most effective defense isn’t just about specific techniques; it’s about approaching digital communications with appropriate awareness.

Remember these core principles:

Verify before trusting, especially when sensitive information or actions are involved
Recognize that digital messages can easily be falsified or manipulated
Understand that legitimate organizations have established protocols that rarely involve requests via text
Know that creating time pressure is a primary tactic of social engineers
Accept that anyone—regardless of technical expertise—can be vulnerable to well-crafted social engineering

By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide and maintaining awareness of evolving threats, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to social engineering attacks while still enjoying the benefits of digital communication. Protection doesn’t require paranoia—just thoughtful attention to how, when, and with whom you share information.

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