Scam Text Messages: How to Spot Them and What to Do
A scam text message (also called "smishing") is a fake text designed to trick you into tapping a link, sharing personal details, or sending money. They often pretend to be your bank, a delivery company, a toll road, or even a family member in trouble.
The good news: scam texts almost always follow the same patterns, and once you know them, they're easy to spot. This guide shows you the exact red flags, real examples of the most common scam texts, and the simple steps to protect yourself.
If you've just received a text and you're not sure, you can paste it into our free scam checker for an instant plain-English verdict — but the signs below will help you decide on your own, too.
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Check it nowThe red flags of a scam text message
Almost every scam text contains one or more of these warning signs. Learn them once and you'll spot trouble instantly.
- It comes from an unknown number or an email address instead of a short business code, or claims to be a company but uses a random 10-digit number.
- It creates urgency or fear — "act now," "your account will be closed," "final notice," or "you owe a fee."
- It contains a link you weren't expecting, often a shortened or odd-looking web address that doesn't match the real company's site.
- It asks for personal information — passwords, card numbers, Social Security numbers, or one-time security codes.
- It offers something too good to be true — a prize, refund, or job you never applied for.
If a text ticks even one of these boxes, slow down. Real companies don't pressure you by text, and they never need your password or a security code that they just sent you.
Real examples of common scam texts
Scammers reuse the same handful of stories. Here are the ones you're most likely to see:
The delivery scam: "USPS: Your package is on hold due to an unpaid fee. Update here: [link]." Real carriers don't text you for fees through random links.
The bank "fraud alert" scam: "Did you spend $499 at Apple? Reply NO to cancel." Replying connects you to a fake agent who asks for your card or a code.
The toll road scam: "You have an unpaid toll. Pay now to avoid a late fee: [link]." These have surged nationwide — the toll agencies don't text random links.
The "wrong number" friendly scam: A polite stranger texts "Hi, is this Lisa?" then strikes up a chat that slowly turns into a crypto or romance scam.
The family emergency scam: "Mom, I lost my phone, this is my new number — can you help me?" leading to an urgent request for money.
What to do when you get a scam text
If you receive a suspicious text, follow these steps:
1. Don't tap any links and don't reply — not even "STOP," which confirms your number is active.
2. Don't call back any number in the message. If it claims to be your bank or a company, contact them using the number on your card or their official website.
3. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) — this free service reports it to your phone carrier so they can block similar messages.
4. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov so it's logged with federal investigators.
5. Block the number and delete the message.
If you already tapped a link or shared details, see our guide on what to do after being scammed — acting fast limits the damage.
How to stop scam texts in the future
You can't block every scam text, but you can cut them down sharply:
- Turn on spam filtering in your phone's messaging settings (both iPhone and Android have a "filter unknown senders" option).
- Never enter your number on sweepstakes pages, untrusted apps, or "you've won" pop-ups — that's how lists get sold.
- Add your number to the Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. It won't stop criminals, but it reduces legitimate spam so the scams stand out.
- Keep reporting to 7726 — every report helps carriers shut down scam campaigns faster.
Remember: getting a scam text doesn't mean you've been hacked or that you did anything wrong. Your number was simply guessed or bought from a list. As long as you don't tap, reply, or pay, you're safe.
Frequently asked questions
Is this text message a scam if it has a link?
Treat any unexpected text with a link as suspicious, especially from an unknown number. Real banks, delivery firms, and government agencies rarely send links asking you to log in or pay. Don't tap it — paste the message into our checker or contact the company through their official site instead.
What happens if I accidentally clicked a link in a scam text?
Clicking alone usually doesn't harm your phone. The danger is what you do next. If you entered a password or card details on the page, change that password and call your bank's fraud line right away. If you downloaded anything, run a security scan. Don't enter any information and close the page.
Should I reply to a scam text to tell them to stop?
No. Any reply — including "STOP" — confirms to the scammer that your number is real and active, which usually leads to more messages. Instead, forward the text to 7726, block the number, and delete it.
What does forwarding a text to 7726 do?
7726 spells "SPAM" on your keypad. Forwarding a scam text there is free and reports it directly to your mobile carrier, helping them identify and block the scam campaign for you and others. After forwarding, you can block and delete the message.
Why am I suddenly getting so many scam texts?
Your number was likely included in a leaked or sold contact list, or simply guessed by automated systems that dial numbers in sequence. It doesn't mean you were hacked. Filtering unknown senders, never entering your number on prize pages, and reporting to 7726 will gradually reduce them.