iPhone iOS 18.2.1 security risk from tapping unknown iMessage group texts

Hey hey,

I think I'm being smished. I've received a few iMessages in a group format and single replies from the group over the last two days. It almost seems possible that the group leader made a mistake by adding my number to the group but, seems a bit suspicious as well - so not sure.

This is the first time this has happened.

There were no links in these texts or attachments - so nothing to click or download.

I did tap the 1st text (opened to read the entire text) because I know the name of the person the texts are about in the area code that was included in two of the numbers in the group text.

I have not responded to any of the texts and other than the first text, I have deleted all following texts without tapping to open to read the full text.

So, I have two questions...

1) Can an iPhone running the most current iOS (18.2.1 in this case) get hacked simply by tapping on a text to read the message?

> Researching this, it seems as though only a 0 day (like Pegasus awhile back) could allow for such a calamity. But with iOS patched to current, that *should* cover the consumer...right???

2) What is the best practice to follow when you get a text from someone you don't know?

> First, don't respond.

> 2nd, I've researched and it seems like you have two options ...

A) Block the numbers of the group.

B) Leave the group conversation.

... Each of these options require that you tap to open the message, so, if just tapping to read a text message can get you hacked, we're kind of up the creek.

Also, if you leave a group conversation or block a number, are the members of the group informed of that? As I understand, if this is an attack text, you want to not respond and so, anything I'd do to stop these texts I would not want the sender or group to know.

I could secure erase and restore from data and not iCloud backup but really don't want to do this if not necessary.

Thanks to anyone that can help.

[Re-Titled By Moderator]