Whether it’s a wrong number message or a private text sent to a group chat, we do pay the price by excusing ourselves, surviving the cringe and promising ourselves we'll learn from the mistake. Sometimes, however, texts not only go against the plan, they actually end up being pretty dangerous to whoever receives them.

Previously, we spoke with Daniel Markuson, a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN, who told us that there are some things to know about receiving a text from an unknown number or keeping yourself safe from cyber attacks. To begin with, if you ever receive a text message from an unknown number, Daniel warns not to reply to it if you’re not sure if it’s legit. “Ignore it, even if it asks you to reply to prevent further messages. When you respond, you indicate to scammers that you have an active phone number. You will then likely receive a follow-up message,” Markuson said.

Another tip from Daniel is always to use common sense. “Do not click on any links. Do not transfer money or enter your personal data. Don’t download any apps from links in text messages,” the cybersecurity expert said. In other cases, you may not be entirely sure if the message from an unknown number is safe or not. “When it is not possible to be 100% sure if the message is safe using common sense, I recommend just ignoring it,” Daniel explained.

There are also some red flags to look for in a smishing text. Urgency is one. “Smishing messages will prompt you to act quickly. They want you to act before you have time to think or generate doubt about the message’s legitimacy.” Secondly, if it contains sensitive requests, the chances it’s a smishing message are really high. “Most legitimate companies take pains to clarify that they will never ask you for your password or credit card info in a message. However, hackers may send you to a false link to enter your personal or credit card data, transfer money, or log in to an account,” Daniel explained.

In a previous interview with Daniel Markuson, we found out that odd phone numbers are also something to look out for. “If you notice an odd number (e.g., '5000' or similar), that can be another warning. It is usually an indication of an email sent as a text message. Cybercriminals like this technique, but legitimate senders could use it as well.”

Meanwhile, a message that has a link is also better ignored. “The message may include an odd or shortened link that looks legitimate but isn’t,” Daniel said. Other red flags include grammar mistakes and unbelievable offers. Daniel reminds us that if it seems like something is too good to be true, it probably is.