Odd Photo Arrives on My Phone – Phishing Attempt or Mistake?

When it comes to my phone, I am pretty protective of who has my number.  I'm probably more paranoid about someone getting my personal information that I am telemarketers randomly calling me.  Or texting me.  And lately, there have been a higher-than-average number of them it seems.

via GIPHY

Oftentimes it is a random text that throws me off though.  Ever received one of the "Hi, how are you, just checking on your vacation here, let me know" type things?  Yep, a phishing scam to gather information on you.  But what about just a random photo?

Get our free mobile app

Odd Photo Arrives on My Phone - Phishing Attempt or Mistake?

Earlier this week, my phone dinged with a text message noise, and I reached for it, expecting a text from a golf buddy about the upcoming leagues for the year.

via GIPHY

Nope, instead I get this photo from a totally random number:

READ MORE:  Annual Memorial Day Ceremony Coming to Great Falls

Now, don't get me wrong, I love me some dog photos.  Heck, probably 90% of my cameral roll involves my dogs at home.  But this one?  I didn't even recognize the background of the home.  Here is a little closer look at this furbaby:

Protecting Your Privacy Online - It Could Be Something This Simple for Criminals

Of course I didn't reply to this random person.  And if you receive something like this, I encourage you to do the same and just delete the message.  It could be an attempt to get personal information such as a pet's name you may use for a password, your own name, or even family and friends' information.

Again, I keep a pretty tight rein on my phone, and something like this is a perfect example as to why.  With as much cybercriminal activity around every turn, being vigil will always pay off for you, instead of the hacker.