How to tell if a text is a scam: 10 quick checks

1. 1

   You weren't expecting it

   The FTC's first rule: "Don't reply to unexpected text messages." An unexpected text about a toll, a package or a charge deserves suspicion.

2. 2

   It has a link

   The FTC says "Never click links in unexpected messages." USPS tracking texts, for example, only come if you asked for them, and USPIS says they "will NOT contain a link."

3. 3

   It asks for account or personal information

   "Legitimate companies won't ask for information about your account by text," says the FTC.

4. 4

   It's about a small fee

   Small amounts ($3 redelivery fees, $12 tolls) lower your guard. The FTC says toll-text scammers "are really after credit card and even Social Security numbers."

5. 5

   It asks you to reply YES or NO

   Fake fraud-alert texts ask you to confirm a large charge. Replying starts a conversation with a fake "fraud department" that may push you to move money.

6. 6

   It threatens a penalty

   Late fees, a suspended license, an arrest warrant. The FTC says no government agency demands payment to avoid arrest.

7. 7

   The sender doesn't match the company

   Apple lists a sender whose email or phone number doesn't match the company it claims to be as a sign of a scam. A "bank" texting from a random number or an email address deserves suspicion.

8. 8

   It's a friendly "wrong number"

   The FTC says these chats can turn into a fake friendship and a bogus investment, with people losing "tens of thousands of dollars." Don't reply.

9. 9

   It offers easy money

   Prizes, gift cards, low-interest cards and simple online jobs are all on the FTC's list of fake text lures.

10. 10

    It pressures you to act now

    "Today only" or "within 24 hours" is designed to stop you checking. Real problems will still be there after you call the company yourself.

Three examples, and what gives them away

Every example on this page is illustrative. We wrote them from patterns described by the FTC, FBI and other official sources. Phone numbers use the fictional 555 range and web addresses end in ".example". Real scam links look like ordinary web addresses, often with extra words or odd endings.

• Toll: "Final notice: you have an unpaid toll balance of $12.51. Pay now to avoid a $50 late fee: tollpay-center.example" Red flags: unexpected, a link, a small amount, a penalty. More in our toll text scam page.
• Delivery: "USPS: Your package is on hold due to an incomplete address. Update within 12 hours: usps-redelivery.example" Red flags: you didn't sign up for tracking, and real USPS texts have no link. See USPS package text scam.
• Bank: "FIRST NATL FRAUD ALERT: Did you attempt a $1,840.00 Zelle payment? Reply YES or NO." Red flags: unexpected, asks you to reply. See bank impersonation scam.

How to report a scam text

1. Forward it to 7726

   Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (it spells SPAM). The FTC says this helps your carrier block similar texts.

2. Use Report Junk

   In the Messages app, look for the option to report junk or spam under the message. On Android, use the spam reporting option in your messaging app.

3. Report it to the FTC

   File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

4. For USPS texts

   USPIS asks people to send the text and a screenshot to [email protected].

5. Delete it

   Once reported, delete it so it can't be tapped by accident later.

Fewer scam texts in the first place

• iPhone (iOS 26): Settings, Apps, Messages, then turn on Screen Unknown Senders. Texts from numbers not in Contacts go to a separate list.
• Android: On supported phones, Scam Detection for messages is on by default. Check in Settings by searching "Scam Detection."
• Carrier: Ask your wireless provider about its text and call blocking tools, as the FTC suggests.

Not sure? Check it

If a text looks real and you can't tell, don't guess. Contact the company using its app, the number on your card, or a website you type yourself. With OwlGuardian, you can also say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" to screenshot the text and get a verdict in about five seconds. OwlGuardian does not block texts, but it can tell you what you're looking at.

Already tapped the link? See what happens if you click a scam link.

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