Scam text messages: examples and red flags

Scam texts pretend to be a delivery company, a toll agency, your bank or a recruiter, and push you to tap a link or reply fast. Here are the scam texts going around now and how to tell them from the real thing.

Scams
212
Updated

Examples of scam texts

  • Chase fraud alert scam Scam example
    Unknown number
    Chase Alert: we noticed a suspicious charge on your account. If this wasn't you, secure your account now at [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

    Tell: An unsolicited text, call or email about urgent fraud on your account

    Read about the Chase fraud alert scam
  • Bank of America fraud alert scam Scam example
    Unknown number
    Bank of America: a payment of $[amount] was attempted on your account. If this wasn't you, call our fraud team at [phone number] or visit [link] to cancel it.

    Tell: Unexpected contact that asks for money or personal details

    Read about the Bank of America fraud alert scam
  • Wells Fargo fraud alert scam Scam example
    Unknown number
    Wells Fargo Fraud Alert: a $[amount] charge was flagged on your account. Reply YES to confirm or NO to dispute, or visit [link] to secure your account.

    Tell: An unexpected text or email about fraud on your account

    Read about the Wells Fargo fraud alert scam
  • UPS delivery scam Scam example
    Unknown number
    UPS: Your package could not be delivered because the address is incomplete. Update your details within 24 hours at [link] or it will be returned.

    Tell: A text or email about a delivery you weren't expecting

    Read about the UPS delivery scam
  • Walmart text and email scam Scam example
    Unknown number
    Walmart: your order #[number] could not be delivered. Confirm your address and pay the small fee at [link].

    Tell: A text saying you won a prize or gift card from Walmart

    Read about the Walmart text and email scam
  • WhatsApp scams Scam example
    Unknown number
    Hi mum, this is my new number, my old phone broke. Can you save it? I need to pay a bill today and my banking app is locked. Could you send [amount] to this account for me? I'll pay you back tonight. [link]

    Tell: A 6-digit WhatsApp code you didn't request, followed by a message asking you to send it on

    Read about the WhatsApp scams

Text message scams going around now

Red flags

  • A link to a site that isn't the company's real domain
  • An unpaid fee, a missed delivery or a locked account that needs action today
  • A number you don't recognise, or an email address sending as a text
  • A request to reply STOP or YES from an unknown sender
  • A small fee for something you never ordered

Report it

Questions about text message scams

How can you tell if a text is a scam?

Check the link before anything else. A real company texts from its usual short code and links to its own domain; a scam link uses a look-alike or shortened address. Other giveaways: a fee you didn't expect, a package you didn't order, a threat to close your account, or a request to reply YES or STOP from a number you don't know.

How do scammers get your phone number?

Often from people-search sites and data brokers, which list phone numbers next to names and addresses, and from data breaches. Some texts go to random numbers in bulk, and replying tells the sender your number is live. Taking your number off people-search sites cuts down how many scammers can tie it to your name.

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