Text message scams

Scam texts work because they’re short, urgent, and arrive on the device you trust most. Most of them want the same thing: for you to tap a link and type in a card number, a password, or a code.

A few habits stop nearly all of them:

  • Don’t tap links in texts you weren’t expecting. Go to the company’s website or app yourself instead.
  • Don’t reply, not even “STOP”. Replying tells the sender your number is active.
  • Report it. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), or use your phone’s “Report junk” option, then delete it.

Guides

  • The fake package delivery text scam

    A text says your package can’t be delivered and asks you to update your address or pay a fee. Here’s how to spot the fake USPS, FedEx, and UPS texts.

  • The fake unpaid toll text scam

    Got a text saying you owe an unpaid toll? It’s probably a scam. How to spot fake E-ZPass, SunPass, and FasTrak texts, and what to do if you tapped the link.