Text Message Scams: What They Are and How to Avoid Them

Learn the signs of and how to protect yourself from text message scams.

Text message scams are a common form of cybercrime. Scammers impersonate legitimate companies to trick you into giving them personal information. They then use this data to access your accounts or sell this information to others. Here are some common scam tactics.

• Suspicious Activity: Claiming there is an issue with your account

• Free Prize, Trip, or Gift Card: Click a link to claim your prize

• Debt Relief: Offering to help you pay off loans

• Fake Shipping Notice: Asks you to return an item you never ordered

The goal is to get you to reply or click a link that will lead to a phony website or malware that steals your information.

Two Common Scenarios

1. Fake text appearing to come from Broadview

Blake receives a text claiming to be from Broadview, warning of a large pending transfer from his checking account. Blake clicks the link to stop the transfer. He enters his social security number and bank details into fields on the linked webpage and hits submit.

Nothing happens on his end but for the scammer, a lot has just happened. The scammer now has Blake’s personal information, compromising his accounts and putting his financial security at risk.

2. Fake text appearing to come from a retailer or company like E-ZPass

Carrie receives a text claiming to be from the DMV, warning that she has unpaid E-ZPass fees. And if she doesn’t pay the fees, she’ll be fined and have her license suspended. Carrie copies and pastes the link into her browser and enters her debit card information to pay the fee.

Carrie thinks she paid the fees but instead, a scammer has her debit card information. Now her checking account is at risk and her financial security is compromised.

How to Protect Yourself

• Use Caution with Links: Legitimate companies won't ask for info via text
  
  
• Verify Sources: Contact companies using verified phone numbers or websites
  
  
• Filter Messages: Block spam texts with phone features, service provider tools, or call-blocking apps

Report Spam and Scam Texts

• Forward to 7726 (SPAM): Helps your service provider block similar messages
  
  
• Report in your Message app: Use the option to report junk or spam
  
  
• Report to Federal Trade Commission: Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov

To learn more and protect yourself from scammers, explore our Security and Fraud Prevention resources.