Scam text messages are everywhere, and they keep getting more convincing. The good news: almost all of them use the same tricks. Once you know what to look for, they’re much easier to spot.
1. It’s urgent
“Your account will be closed in 24 hours.” “Final notice.” “Act now.”
Scammers want you to panic so you don’t stop to think. Real companies rarely give you just a few hours to act by text.
2. It’s about a package you didn’t expect
“Your package could not be delivered. Update your address here.”
These messages pretend to be from the Postal Service, UPS, FedEx or Amazon. If you aren’t expecting a delivery, or the message has a strange link, it’s almost certainly fake.
3. It says you owe money for tolls or a fine
“You have an unpaid toll balance. Pay now to avoid a penalty.”
Fake toll and traffic-fine texts have become very common. Toll agencies usually send bills by mail or through your account. Never pay from a text link.
4. The link looks a little off
Look closely at links. Scammers use addresses that are almost right, like:
- amaz0n-delivery.com (a zero instead of an “o”)
- usps-redelivery.info (extra words added to a real name)
Rule of thumb: Don’t tap links in unexpected texts. Instead, open the company’s official app or type their website yourself.
5. It asks for a code
“We sent you a verification code. Please reply with it to confirm your identity.”
Never share a code sent to your phone with anyone. That code is the key to your account. Your bank, Google, Apple or Facebook will never ask you to send it back.
6. It asks for gift cards, wire transfers or crypto
No real business or government agency asks to be paid in gift cards. If someone asks for payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or payment apps to a stranger, it’s a scam.
7. “Hi Mom, I have a new number”
“Hi Mom, I dropped my phone. This is my new number. Can you help me pay a bill?”
Scammers pretend to be a son, daughter or grandchild in trouble. Call your family member on their old, known number before doing anything. A real family member will understand.
What to do with a scam text
- Don’t reply, not even “STOP.” Replying tells scammers your number is active.
- Don’t tap any links.
- Report it. In the US, forward the message to 7726 (it spells “SPAM”). You can also report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Delete and block the number.
Already tapped a link or shared information?
Don’t feel embarrassed. It happens to smart people every day. Act quickly:
- If you shared a password, change it right away.
- If you shared bank or card details, call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
- If you shared a code, change your password for that account and contact the company.
Remember: When in doubt, slow down. A real company will still be there tomorrow. A scammer needs you to hurry.
