Staying One Step Ahead Scams Getting Smarter.

It started with a laugh.

A text popped up, claiming to be from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, warning me to pay a mysterious traffic ticket or face the dreaded “BMV Violation Database.” I showed it to my wife, and we both had a good laugh. But after the chuckles wore off, the reality set in: scammers are working overtime.

Benbrook residents, these scams are no longer just a joke. They’re becoming more frequent, more believable, and more targeted. Impersonation scams have gone beyond the usual IRS or Social Security schemes. Now, it’s fake police departments, phony city employees, knock-off charity requests, and shady cryptocurrency offers. The “you’ve won a prize” trick is still around, and so is the classic “Grandma, I need bail money” plea from someone pretending to be your grandchild.

It’s getting exhausting.

So, what do we do when our phones turn into scam dispensers? Rule number one: don’t click anything suspicious. That includes texts, emails, or messages that come out of nowhere. Don’t open weird attachments. And trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is.

But here’s where we can help turn the tide. Reporting scams helps stop them. It allows authorities and service providers to shut down these operations before they reach the next person.

Here’s your quick guide to reporting scams:

For text scams (aka smishing):

• Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) — it works on most major carriers.
• Report online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (select “Text Message”).

For email scams (aka phishing):

• Forward it to phishing@report.phishing.gov (official U.S. government inbox).
• Or forward to reportphishing@apwg.org (used by tech and security companies).
• Report it to your email provider:
  • Gmail: Click the three dots → “Report phishing”
  • Outlook: Click “Junk” → “Phishing”
  • Yahoo: Mark as spam or phishing

For everything else:

• Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• For cybercrimes or financial losses, use the FBI’s ic3.gov
• In Texas, you can also report through the Attorney General’s site: texasattorneygeneral.gov

Before deleting anything, take a screenshot, copy the email headers, and save the phone number or email address used. Evidence matters.

And while we’re here, remember your 9 PM routine: take valuables out of your car, lock it, check your doors, flip on the outside lights, and set your alarms. That simple habit goes a long way.

That’s all for now, Benbrook. Keep looking out for one another. And if you’ve got a suggestion for the next Tip of the Week, we’d love to hear it. Send it to news@benbrooklife.com.

Stay sharp, stay safe.

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