Your phone buzzes with a text message claiming your Amazon package needs redelivery, or your bank account has suspicious activity. Before you click that link or call that number, take a breath. Text message scams—also called “smishing”—have skyrocketed in recent years, and they’re specifically designed to catch you off guard when you’re busy or distracted.
The good news is that most text scams follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to look for, spotting a fraudulent text becomes as easy as recognizing a telemarketing call. In this guide, you’ll discover:
- The most common text message scam tactics targeting you
- Simple visual clues that instantly reveal fake messages
- What to do (and never do) when you get a suspicious text
- How to protect your phone from future scam attempts
Let’s walk through the warning signs that can save you from becoming another statistic.
What Are Text Message Scams
Text message scams, officially called “smishing” (SMS + phishing), are fraudulent messages designed to steal your personal information or money. Scammers send these texts pretending to be from companies you trust—like your bank, Amazon, Apple, or even government agencies.
Think of these messages like counterfeit letters that arrive in your mailbox, except they’re delivered to your phone instantly. Just as you’d examine a suspicious letter carefully, you should always pause and analyze unexpected text messages before taking any action.
- Delivery Scams: Fake notifications about packages needing redelivery
- Banking Alerts: Urgent messages about account problems or suspicious activity
- Prize Notifications: Claims you’ve won contests you never entered
- Service Alerts: Fake messages about suspended accounts or services
Why This Matters for You
SMS phishing has grown by an alarming 700% in the past two years, with criminals increasingly targeting older adults. According to recent FTC data, 76% of adults over 60 receive at least one scam text per week, and those who fall victim lose an average of $1,200 per incident.
The consequences go far beyond financial loss:
- Identity theft from clicking malicious links or sharing personal details
- Device compromise through malware downloads
- Ongoing harassment once scammers know your number responds
- Account takeovers if you provide login credentials
The 7 Most Common Text Message Scams
Learning to recognize these common scam formats will help you spot suspicious messages instantly. Here are the seven types of text scams most frequently used against seniors:
1. Fake Delivery Notifications
“Your Amazon package could not be delivered. Click here to reschedule: [suspicious link]” These prey on our expectation of online purchases and delivery updates.
2. Banking/Credit Card Alerts
“URGENT: Suspicious activity detected on your account. Verify now to avoid suspension: [malicious link]” Real banks never ask you to verify accounts via text message links.
3. Prize and Contest Winnings
“Congratulations! You’ve won $1,000 in our weekly drawing. Claim now: [scam link]” If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win anything.
4. Healthcare and Medicare Updates
“Important Medicare update: Verify your information to maintain benefits.” Government agencies communicate primarily through mail, not text messages.
5. Tech Support Alerts
“Apple ID suspended due to security concerns. Restore access: [phishing link]” Apple and other tech companies don’t send unsolicited security alerts via text.
6. Government Benefit Notifications
“You’re eligible for a $1,400 stimulus payment. Apply here: [fraudulent link]” Government benefits are never distributed through text message links.
7. Romance and Relationship Scams
Random texts from “wrong numbers” that turn into friendly conversations, eventually leading to requests for money or personal information.
Practical Tips to Identify Scam Texts
- Check the sender number—legitimate companies use consistent short codes or official numbers
- Look for urgency language—phrases like “act now,” “expires today,” or “immediate action required”
- Examine links carefully—hover over links to see the actual destination before clicking
- Notice spelling and grammar—professional companies proofread their messages
- Verify independently—contact the company directly using their official website or phone number
- Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is
- Never provide personal information—legitimate companies don’t request sensitive data via text
- Don’t click suspicious links—when in doubt, delete the message
Pros and Cons of Text Message Security Methods
Blocking Unknown Numbers
Prevents most spam texts from reaching your phone automatically.
Reporting Scam Texts
Forwarding scams to 7726 (SPAM) helps carriers block similar messages for everyone.
Deleting Without Reading
Immediate deletion of suspicious texts eliminates temptation to engage.
May Block Legitimate Messages
Aggressive filtering might occasionally block real notifications from services you use.
Scammers Change Tactics
Fraudsters constantly evolve their methods to bypass security measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I accidentally click a scam link?
Don’t panic. Close the page immediately, don’t enter any information, and run a security scan on your device. Change passwords for important accounts if you’re concerned about compromise.
Should I respond to text scams to tell them to stop?
Never respond to suspected scam texts. Any response confirms your number is active, leading to more spam. Simply delete the message or report it to 7726.
How can I tell if a delivery notification is real?
Check your email for corresponding notifications, log into the carrier’s official app or website directly, or call the company using their official customer service number.
What information should I never share via text message?
Never share Social Security numbers, bank account details, passwords, PINs, credit card numbers, or personal identification information through text messages, regardless of who claims to be asking.
Final Thoughts
The key to avoiding text message scams is simple: when in doubt, verify through official channels. Real companies understand that customers are cautious about scams and won’t penalize you for double-checking. Take your time, trust your instincts, and remember that legitimate businesses will never pressure you to act immediately via text message. A few minutes of verification can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.