Virus from a text message?

[iF34R]

So, I got this text message this morning that read "stop". I replied with the "wrong number". They replied about receiving a disgusting text message from me (which they didn't of course). I asked them to send me a screen shot of it so I can report it to the police. They said they deleted it after they reported it already.

I looked at my activity online and my text usage shows that "stop" text was a picture/video message and not just a sms text. No picture or video file came with the text. Is there anything I should do? I've already blocked the number and deleted the message. I'm on 14.6.

 

[now i see it]

In the future, don't click on a link from an unknown sender, never reply and block their phone number so they can't pester you with it again (though they often just generate another fake number).
I've blocked so many numbers over the years that my blocked list scrolls on forever and ever

 

[KaliYoni]

In addition to the advice above, you have a couple of options if you want to be cautious:

1. If you have an iTunes, iCloud, or Apple Configurator backup of your iPhone that predates the suspicious text message, you can completely erase your phone and restore it from the backup.
2. Take a look at Malwarebytes. I use the macOS version. I don't have the iOS version but a Mac troubleshooting site I follow, MacInTouch, has a lot of committed Apple hobbyists who recommend Malwarebytes iOS.

iOS Security - iPhone Call, Text, and Ad Blocker | Malwarebytes

Protect your iOS device from spam calls, annoying ads, suspicious texts, and malicious websites. Make your iOS experience safer and faster while getting rid of annoying distractions. Download the app today to get your first 30 days of Premium features for free.

www.malwarebytes.com

 

[Ac1d 8urn]

Was it a standard text or iMessage? If it was iMessage then someone may have access to your iCloud account so I would log in on a desktop and check which devices are signed in. If standard SMS then some scammer could be spoofing your number, or the person who texted "stop" could be the scammer themselves. Claiming you sent them harassing messages and they're going to send the cops after you unless you pay up is a very common scam, and you probably blocked them before they could demand money. As for it showing as an MMS, I've had that happen randomly too. No idea, phones are weird.

Could have also just been a glitch in the network. The cell network is a patchwork of newer technology and ancient infrastructure(which standard SMS still runs on) dating back to the 80s, glitches and mis-delivered messages definitely do happen. I had a text go to a completely random number a few years ago and the poor guy had no idea who I was.

A virus is the least likely scenario. There was a text virus going around in the iOS 10 days but it's extremely unlikely that Apple hasn't patched that exploit. Personally I wouldn't worry too much about this beyond changing your iCloud password, but if your phone is showing other odd behavior then a full restore wouldn't hurt.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The person was yanking your chain because you didn't fall for the unwanted text. As said, don't respond to crap like that moving forward. You will probably get more spam text because they know your number active. Block is your friend.

 

[iF34R]

Thanks for the replies. I have 2FA for my apple id, icloud, etc. Checked on my pc and the only devices signed in are the four I have in hand. I got another same text, iMessage this time, and I reported/blocked. Blocked the other two as well. Deleted them.

Here are the messages..

 

[MisterSavage]

I'm not understanding some of the advice in this thread. You didn't click on any links in the texts, right? You just had a conversation? I would just block the number and call it a day.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Thanks for the replies. I have 2FA for my apple id, icloud, etc. Checked on my pc and the only devices signed in are the four I have in hand. I got another same text, iMessage this time, and I reported/blocked. Blocked the other two as well. Deleted them.

Here are the messages..

Nothing to worry about there. I got something like that (several times) years ago and I started blocking them.

 

[iF34R]

Thanks a bunch for the advice and reassurance. Helped put me more at ease.