'Avoid clicking on the link': Texting scams increase by 300% during pandemic Experts warn phishing scams sent via text and email are preying on people hoping for a COVID-19 vaccine or financial help. Author: Katherine Cook Updated: 11:30 PM PST March 12, 2021 PORTLAND, Oregon — Experts report the number of text message scams cybercrooks are sending has risen more than 300% since last summer. One reason is that victims continue to fall for the scams, clicking on accompanying links promising information about stimulus money, the vaccine or something else entirely. “[The text] might say, 'Did you get all your stimulus money? Find out by clicking on this link.' Or, 'Learn more about your stimulus benefits here,'” warned Kerry Tomlinson, editor-in-chief at Archer News Network, a cyber security news organization.