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What’s behind those ridiculous random ‘hello’ text messages

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What’s behind those ridiculous random ‘hello’ text messages

Across the country, people are experiencing a sudden surge of anonymous messages that often begin with a simple “hello” or a similar greeting like “hi.” These unexpected communications can leave you feeling confused and even concerned about their origins. 

While this phenomenon is particularly prevalent on WhatsApp, it’s important to recognize that similar incidents are occurring with regular text messages as well.

Take Bruce from Lititz, Pennsylvania, for example. He wrote to us asking, “Why all of a sudden am I receiving anonymous ‘hello’ messages on my WhatsApp?”

Let’s explore the possible reasons behind these unsolicited messages, how they may have obtained your number and what steps you can take to protect yourself from potential scams.

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“Hi” scam text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why is this happening?

One of the primary reasons for these messages is the increasing prevalence of spam and scam attempts. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, and a seemingly innocent “hello” could be their latest strategy. Sometimes, it’s as simple as someone mistyping a number. It’s easy for messages to end up in the wrong inbox.

However, more often than not, these messages are the first step in a more elaborate phishing scheme. Scammers often start with a friendly greeting to build trust before attempting to extract personal information.

A man texting on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How did they get your number in the first place?

Receiving unexpected messages from unknown contacts can leave you wondering how they obtained your number. There are several ways this can happen. One common method is through data breaches, where personal information, including phone numbers, is leaked online.

Scammers can also acquire numbers through social media platforms, where users often share their contact details publicly. Additionally, if you’ve ever participated in contests or giveaways, your information may have been sold to third parties without your consent.

Lastly, it’s possible that someone you know inadvertently shared your number, leading to these unsolicited messages. Understanding these avenues can help you take proactive steps to protect your privacy and reduce the likelihood of receiving unwanted communications in the future.

A man texting on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to protect yourself

With the rise of anonymous messages, it’s essential to take steps to safeguard your personal information and avoid potential scams. Here are six crucial measures you can take:

1. Block and report suspicious contacts

Don’t respond to these text messages and block and report any suspicious messages. Here’s how to do it on different platforms:

On Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer 

  • Open the conversation with the suspicious contact
  • Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner
  • Select More or Details
  • Click Block & report scam
  • Tap OK to confirm your decision

On iPhone:

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  • Open the chat with the suspicious contact
  • Tap the contact’s number at the top of the screen
  • Then click the info menu
  • Scroll down and select Block Caller
  • Choose Block Contact 

On WhatsApp:

  • Open the conversation and click the contact name
  • Scroll down and select Block
  • Click Block to confirm

2. Have strong antivirus software

Don’t click on any links within these text messages, as they may contain malicious software. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to install strong antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

3. Regularly update your passwords

Ensure your accounts are secure by using strong, unique passwords and updating them regularly. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. This can help protect your information in case of a data breach.

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4. Keep your devices updated

Regularly update your smartphone’s operating system and apps. These updates often include crucial security patches that protect against the latest threats.

5. Invest in personal data removal services

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

6. Be cautious with personal information

Refrain from posting your phone number on public forums, social media platforms or websites lacking robust privacy measures. Scammers often scour these platforms for personal information to target potential victims.

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Also, only provide your contact information to reputable organizations and trusted individuals. Before entering your phone number on any website, ensure it is legitimate and secure. Look for signs such as HTTPS in the URL and read reviews or feedback from other users.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The rise of anonymous messages can feel unsettling. While a simple “hello” might seem harmless, it often signals the start of more insidious tactics from scammers. By understanding how these messages arise and taking proactive steps to protect your personal information, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams.

Have you experienced receiving anonymous messages like these? Share your story with us and let us know how you handled it. Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Technology

OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

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Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

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  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

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2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

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5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data.  State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

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1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

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6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. 

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.

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