Chris Wright, co-founder and partner of Sullivan Wright Technologies, joined KATV’s Arkansas Today to share red flags for text scams and easy-to-remember prevention tips. He emphasized that scammers continuously adapt their tactics to appear legitimate, often using fear, urgency, and authority to pressure people into acting without thinking.

Chris outlined several common examples for viewers, including “press Y” messages, package delivery notifications, job offers, toll evasions, and traffic violations. He advised vigilance with unexpected communications, especially those that:

• Claim you owe money or are due a refund
• Impose urgent deadlines
• Come from unfamiliar senders or ask for personal info

Scammers often exploit current events and trending topics to make their messages seem timely and credible. Chris also warned that advances in technology have improved grammar and writing quality, ultimately enhancing the believability of common scam texts. He said recognizing unusual patterns and pausing before responding can help you avoid acting on fake information.

To stay safe, Chris also stressed strong cyber hygiene, meaning you should limit how often and where you share your personal information online. The more places your data exists, the more opportunities scammers have to misuse it.

Chris—and the entire team at Sullivan Wright Technologies—always recommends practical prevention tips, including:

• Verify before responding. Check directly with the company or organization using trusted contact details.
• Watch for common scam traits, including fear-based language, unrealistic offers, or unexpected requests for funds.
• Be cautious about clicking links, especially in unsolicited emails or texts.

Above all, Chris reminds viewers that being cautious and skeptical greatly reduces the chances of falling prey to these scams. Staying informed and deliberate about online interactions is one of the strongest defenses against growing cyber threats.