Scam text examples: 12 common scam texts and how to spot them

1. 1

   Unpaid toll

   "NOTICE: Our records show an unpaid toll of $11.69. Pay by today to avoid a $50 late fee and protect your license: pay-tolls-now.example"

   • Why it's a scam: The FTC says unpaid-toll texts are "usually scams," and the scammers are after card and Social Security numbers.
   • Learn more: Unpaid toll text scam
2. 2

   Package on hold

   "USPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. Confirm within 12 hours: usps-redeliver.example"

   • Why it's a scam: USPIS says USPS only texts if you asked for tracking, and those texts never contain a link.
   • Learn more: USPS package text scam
3. 3

   Bank fraud alert

   "Bank Alert: Did you authorize a $2,350.00 transfer? Reply YES or NO. If NO, a fraud specialist will call you."

   • Why it's a scam: The FTC says fake fraud-alert texts lead to a fake fraud department that pushes you to move money. Your money "is fine where it is."
   • Learn more: Bank impersonation and Zelle scam
4. 4

   Amazon suspicious purchase

   "Amazon: A purchase of an iPad Pro ($1,099) was placed on your account. If this wasn't you, call 1-555-010-4421."

   • Why it's a scam: The FTC says calls and texts about a "suspicious purchase" are a scam. Check orders in the Amazon app yourself.
   • Learn more: Amazon impersonation scam
5. 5

   Apple Pay charge

   "Apple Pay: A charge of $749.99 at Best Electronics was approved. Not you? Call Apple Support at 1-555-010-7730."

   • Why it's a scam: Apple warns scammers claim unauthorized Apple Pay charges to create urgency. Real Apple Pay activity is in the Wallet app.
   • Learn more: Apple Pay charge text scam
6. 6

   "Wrong number"

   "Hi Linda, is this still your number? It's Grace from the garden club. Lunch Thursday?"

   • Why it's a scam: The FTC says these friendly mistakes can grow into a fake friendship and an investment pitch, with losses often in the tens of thousands.
   • Learn more: Crypto investment scam
7. 7

   Easy online job

   "Hello! We're hiring remote staff. Earn $300 to $800 a day rating apps from home. Reply to learn more."

   • Why it's a scam: The FTC says these "jobs" involve simple tasks like rating apps, then ask you to pay to withdraw your supposed earnings.
   • Learn more: Check a message with our scam checker
8. 8

   Family emergency

   "Hi Grandma, it's me. I lost my phone, this is my new number. I'm in trouble and need help. Please don't tell Mom."

   • Why it's a scam: A request for secrecy is a classic sign of the family emergency scam. The FTC says to contact your relative on a number you know is theirs.
   • Learn more: Grandparent scam
9. 9

   Medicare card

   "Medicare: Your new card is ready. Confirm your Medicare number to avoid losing coverage: medicare-card.example"

   • Why it's a scam: The FTC says Medicare cards are free and mailed automatically, and Medicare won't text out of the blue asking for your number.
   • Learn more: Medicare scam
10. 10

    IRS refund

    "IRS: You are eligible for a tax refund of $1,286.40. Submit your details to receive payment: irs-refund-claim.example"

    • Why it's a scam: The IRS says it normally contacts you first by mail, and only texts if you opted in.
    • Learn more: IRS scam
11. 11

    Jury duty warrant

    "County Court: A warrant has been issued for failure to appear for jury duty. Call 1-555-010-2290 today to resolve and avoid arrest."

    • Why it's a scam: The FTC says, "They say you missed jury duty (you didn't) and threaten to arrest you (they won't)."
    • Learn more: Jury duty scam
12. 12

    Prize winner

    "Congratulations! You've won $2,500,000 and a new car. Pay a $199 processing fee to release your prize: claim-prize.example"

    • Why it's a scam: The FTC says, "If you have to pay to get your prize, it's a scam."
    • Learn more: Sweepstakes and lottery scam

About these examples

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.

The pattern behind all 12

The FTC says legitimate companies won't ask for account information by text. If a text matches two or more of these, stop.

• Pretend: They say they're a company or agency you know, or a family member.
• Problem or prize: A charge, a fee, a warrant, a win.
• Pressure: A deadline, a penalty, a secret.
• Pay or provide: A link to pay, a number to call, a reply, or personal details.

What to do with a text like these

1. Don't tap, reply or call

   Not even "STOP." The FTC's advice is not to reply to unexpected texts at all.

2. Check the real source

   Open the company's app or call the number on your card or statement.

3. Report it

   Forward it to 7726, use Report Junk, and report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

4. Delete it

   Then let a family member know. Scams often come in waves.

Questions people ask