Consumer Reports: Text scams hitting harder than ever

BOSTON —

You’re in the middle of something when your phone pings — a text from an unknown number. Is it real, or another scam?

A new Consumer Reports survey finds texting and messaging scams have jumped 50% in the past year, and it might surprise you that Gen Z is getting hit the hardest.

The new Consumer Reports Cyber Readiness Report finds scam attempts are up more than 50%, and they're growing the fastest among Gen Zers.

Scammers are trying to rip off young adults. Those between 18 to 29 years old are falling for scams at record levels. Reports of scam attempts from Gen Zers tripled, and it makes sense because they text frequently. It's a primary form of communication, and they have instant access to money on their phones.

Lower-income households were three times as likely to los