Verizon text message scams: how to spot a fake Verizon text
Quick answer
A text or email that claims to be Verizon and asks for account or personal details is likely phishing. Verizon says it will never ask for personal or account information by email or text. Don't reply or click, forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and delete it.
- Pretends to be
- Verizon
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers pretend to be Verizon in texts and emails. Verizon's own phishing page says it will never ask for personal or account information by email or text message.
Common lures include an offer of a bill credit after a service outage and a notice that you have expired reward points to redeem. The link goes to a fake site built to collect card numbers, bank details or your account login. A past campaign sent texts that appeared to come from customers' own phone numbers.
Red flags
- A text or email asking for account details, a PIN or card numbers
- A surprise credit, refund or reward points you didn't ask about
- A link to a login page you reached from a text
- A message that looks like it came from your own number
- Pressure to act quickly
Example message
Verizon: We're sorry about the recent outage. You're owed a $20 credit. Claim it now at [link] before it expires.
What to do
- 1
Don't reply or click
Replying confirms your number is active. Verizon advises against clicking links in suspicious messages.
- 2
Forward it to 7726 and delete it
Verizon asks you to forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM), then delete them. Forward phishing emails to the abuse address Verizon lists on its phishing page.
- 3
Check your account the safe way
Open the My Verizon app or type the address into your browser yourself. If there's a real credit or notice, it will show there.
- 4
If you entered details, act fast
Change your Verizon password, and any account that shares it. If you gave card or bank details, call the number on the back of your card and ask for a replacement card.
- 5
Report it
Report the message to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers don't pick numbers and addresses at random. Names, phone numbers, home addresses and email addresses are easy to buy from people-search sites and data brokers, and they leak in breaches, which lets a caller or sender sound like they know you. Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them from the sites that hold them, and alerts you when your data shows up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Common Verizon scams
Frequently asked
Does Verizon text customers asking for personal details?
Verizon says it will never ask for personal or account information by email or text message.
Why did I get a text from my own number?
Scammers can make a text look like it came from your number. Verizon has said it worked with law enforcement on such a campaign. Don't click the link.
Where do I forward a scam text?
Forward it to 7726 (SPAM), then delete it. Verizon recommends this on its phishing page.
I clicked the link but entered nothing. Am I at risk?
Probably low, but close the page and don't enter anything. If you did enter details, change passwords and call your card issuer.
Sources
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