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Scam text messages: common examples and red flags

Scam text messages are short, urgent and easy to send to millions of phones at once. They pretend to be from a bank, a delivery company, a toll agency or even a stranger who "texted the wrong number" — and they almost always want you to tap a link, reply or call.

The safest habit is simple: do not reply or tap links in a text you were not expecting. Check the account yourself using an app or website you already trust, then report the message. The guides below show real-world examples and step-by-step reporting and blocking instructions.

Updated

How big the problem is

Scam texts are cheap to send and easy to fall for. The FTC says people reported losing $470 million to scams that started with a text message in 2024 — more than five times the 2020 figure. And because most scams are never reported, the real number is higher.

The FTC found that just five kinds of scam texts made up about half of all text fraud reported in 2024. Here they are, with examples of what each one looks like.

1. Fake package delivery problems

The most-reported text scam of 2024. The message usually pretends to be from the U.S. Postal Service, claims a delivery problem, and links to a look-alike website that asks for a small “redelivery fee” — really a way to steal your card number or Social Security number.

EXAMPLE — SCAM
(917) 555-0129 Text message

USPS: Your package is on hold due to an incomplete address. Update within 24 hours or it will be returned: https://usps-redelivery.example.com/track

Fake package text This is a made-up example based on real scam reports. Never reply to, call, or tap links in messages like this.

Postal Inspectors say USPS only texts people who asked for tracking — and never with a link. See USPS will never send you this text.

2. Phony job offers

Texts offer vague, easy work — often “rating” products or apps. Later, victims are told to send money to finish tasks or withdraw their “earnings,” and they never get it back.

EXAMPLE — SCAM
(615) 555-0193 Text message

Hi! I’m a recruiter. We have a flexible remote role reviewing apps — 30 minutes a day, $300–$800 daily, paid same day. Interested? Reply YES for details.

Fake job offer text This is a made-up example based on real scam reports. Never reply to, call, or tap links in messages like this.

A real employer won’t ask you to pay to get paid.

3. Fake fraud alerts

Texts that seem to be from your bank or a big retailer claim suspicious activity or a large purchase. If you reply, you’re connected to a fake “fraud department” that pressures you to move money to “keep it safe” — straight into the scammer’s account.

EXAMPLE — SCAM
(213) 555-0174 Text message

FRAUD ALERT: Did you attempt a $1,249.00 purchase? Reply YES or NO. If NO, our fraud team will call you shortly to secure your account.

Fake bank fraud alert text This is a made-up example based on real scam reports. Never reply to, call, or tap links in messages like this.

See credit and debit card scams: fake fraud alerts.

4. Bogus unpaid toll notices

These texts imitate toll programs across the country, such as SunPass and FasTrak, and link to a fake payment page. The goal is usually your card number and Social Security number.

EXAMPLE — SCAM
(702) 555-0147 Text message

Toll Services: You have an unpaid toll balance of $4.15. Avoid a $50.00 late fee — pay today at https://toll-pay.example.com/notice

Fake unpaid toll text This is a made-up example based on real scam reports. Never reply to, call, or tap links in messages like this.

See toll road scam texts.

5. “Wrong number” texts

An innocent-seeming message — “Hi, is this Anna?” or “Are we still on for dinner?” — leads to a friendly conversation, often with romantic undertones. Then the new friend claims to be a successful investor and steers you to a bogus investment platform, where the FTC says people can lose tens of thousands of dollars. The FBI has warned that some of these scams even end with couriers collecting cash from victims’ homes.

EXAMPLE — SCAM
(646) 555-0181 Text message

Hi Linda, it’s Michelle! Are we still meeting for tea tomorrow at 3?

A 'wrong number' text that can turn into an investment scam This is a made-up example based on real scam reports. Never reply to, call, or tap links in messages like this.

The FBI’s advice: once you’ve identified a wrong number, end the conversation. See trading scam red flags.

Other scam texts to watch for

The FTC also warns about texts that:

  • promise free prizes, gift cards or coupons — they’re not real;
  • offer low-interest credit cards or help paying off student loans — there’s no deal;
  • claim a problem with your account or payment — there isn’t one;
  • include an invoice for something you didn’t buy and tell you to contact the sender.

Seasonal scams appear too. In October 2026 the FBI warned about texts and emails falsely claiming you’re not registered to vote, with links to fake registration pages. And the FTC says a text that appears to come from your own phone number is always a scam.

The red flags of a scam text

The FTC says to be suspicious when a text:

  • wasn’t expected and asks for personal or financial information — your password, account number, Social Security number, income, debts, or bank or card details;
  • tells you to click a link — some lead to spoofed websites that steal your username and password, and some install malware;
  • creates urgency — a deadline, a fee, a frozen account.

Legitimate companies won’t ask for your account information by text.

What to do with a scam text

  1. Don’t reply or tap any links — not even to type STOP.
  2. Check it yourself. If the text might be real, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is genuine.
  3. Report it: forward it to 7726 (SPAM), use your app’s report option, and file at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Step-by-step: how to report a scam text.
  4. Delete and block the number.
  5. Turn on spam filters so fewer texts reach you: how to stop spam texts on iPhone and Android.

Know your rights

FCC rules ban autodialed texts to your cell phone unless you agreed to receive them or it’s an emergency, and commercial texts need your written consent — even if your number isn’t on the Do Not Call Registry. The FCC also suggests being careful about giving out your mobile number and reading privacy policies before entering it on websites.

If you already replied or clicked

Don’t enter anything else. If you shared a password, card or bank details, or your Social Security number, follow our first-hour checklist.

Guides

  • Guide

    How to Stop Spam Texts on iPhone and Android

    Step-by-step settings to filter and block spam texts on iPhone and Android, plus the free tools from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon — based on the FCC's guides.

  • Guide

    How to Report a Scam Text (Forward to 7726)

    How to report spam and scam texts: forward to 7726 (SPAM), use Report Spam on iPhone or Android, and file with the FTC. Step by step, with what to include.

Where to report text message scams scams

Reporting helps investigators spot patterns and warn others — even if you did not lose money. Type these addresses yourself or use the links below; do not use links from a suspicious message.

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

    Any scam, fraud or bad business practice — calls, texts, emails, websites and impostors.

    ReportFraud.ftc.gov

  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

    Unwanted robocalls, spoofed caller ID and spam texts.

    consumercomplaints.fcc.gov

  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

    Online and computer-related fraud, including tech-support, romance, investment and crypto scams.

    IC3.gov

You can also report to your state attorney general. If you sent money, call your bank or card company right away using the number on the back of your card.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common scam texts?

The FTC's top five text scams of 2024 were fake package delivery problems, phony job offers, fake fraud alerts from banks or retailers, bogus unpaid-toll notices, and 'wrong number' texts that turn into investment scams. Together they made up about half of all text fraud reported that year.

How can I tell if a text is a scam?

Be suspicious of any text you weren't expecting that asks for personal or financial information, tells you to tap a link, or pressures you to act fast. Legitimate companies won't ask for account information by text. Check with the company using a number or website you know is real.

What is a 'wrong number' text scam?

It starts with an innocent-looking message like 'Hi, is this Anna?' If you reply, the sender keeps chatting, builds a friendship — sometimes romantic — and eventually talks about investing, steering you to a fake platform. The FTC says people can lose tens of thousands of dollars. The FBI advises ending the conversation once you've identified the wrong number.

I got a text from my own number. Is it a scam?

Yes. The FTC says if you get a text from your own number, it's a scam — the sender spoofed your caller ID. Don't click any links in it.

What should I do with a scam text?

Don't reply or tap links. Forward it to 7726 (SPAM), use your messaging app's report option, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and delete it. Then block the number.

How much money do people lose to text scams?

The FTC says people reported losing $470 million to scams that started with a text message in 2024 — more than five times the 2020 number.

Sources

We rely on official government sources. Read how we check facts in our editorial policy.

  1. FTC Data Spotlight: Top text scams of 2024 (Apr. 14, 2025) (ftc.gov, accessed )
  2. FTC: How to Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages (consumer.ftc.gov, accessed )
  3. FTC Consumer Alert: Did you get a text from your own number? That's a scam (Apr. 2022) (consumer.ftc.gov, accessed )
  4. FCC Consumer Guide: Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts (fcc.gov, accessed )
  5. FBI IC3 PSA I-061526-PSA: Scammers Use Couriers to Collect Cash in Cryptocurrency Investment Scams (June 15, 2026) (ic3.gov, accessed )
  6. FBI IC3 PSA I-101526-3-PSA: Scammers Exploit 2026 U.S. Midterm Election to Perpetrate Multiple Fraud Schemes (Oct. 15, 2026) (ic3.gov, accessed )

Other scam types