Verizon text message scams: how to spot the fake account alert
Quick answer
A text or email that claims to be from Verizon and asks for account details or pushes you to click a link is likely phishing. Verizon says it never asks for personal or account information by text or email. Forward the text to 7726, then delete it.
- Pretends to be
- Verizon
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers pretend to be Verizon, which is itself the impersonated party. The message says there's a problem with your bill, account or rewards, and gives you a link to fix it.
The link goes to a fake page built to collect your account login, card details or personal data. Verizon's guidance on earlier waves of these texts said they were typically aimed at tricking people into entering credit card details. In one wave in 2021, texts even appeared to come from customers' own numbers.
Verizon's page says it will never ask for personal or account information by email or text.
Red flags
- A text or email about your account that asks for logins, card details or personal info
- A link you're told to click right away to fix a problem
- A message that appears to come from your own number
- A sender or link that doesn't match Verizon's real website
- Urgency, threats of suspension or an offer that sounds too good
Example message
Verizon: there's a problem with your account and service will be suspended. Verify your details now at [link].
What to do
- 1
Don't reply, click or open attachments
Replying confirms your number is active.
- 2
Forward the text to 7726
7726 spells SPAM on a keypad. Verizon asks you to forward suspicious texts there, then delete them.
- 3
Forward suspicious email to Verizon
Verizon's page directs suspicious email to phishing@verizon.com. Include your name, account number and phone number, then delete it.
- 4
If you clicked or entered details, contact Verizon
Use the Verizon app or the number on your bill, not anything in the message. Ask them to secure your account.
- 5
Contact your bank or card issuer
If you entered card or bank details, call the number on the back of your card and ask to cancel the card and dispute charges.
- 6
Change your passwords
Change your Verizon password and any account that shares it, and turn on two-step verification.
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 text huge lists of numbers and pick the carrier name that matches the most of them. Numbers come from data breaches and people-search sites, so the message may already have your name. Serus finds where your phone number, address and email are listed on people-search sites and removes them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
More Verizon scams
Frequently asked
Does Verizon ask for account information by text?
No. Verizon's phishing page says it will never ask for personal or account information by email or text.
Where do I forward a scam text from Verizon?
Forward it to 7726 (SPAM), as Verizon's page instructs, then delete it.
Why did I get a text that appears to come from my own number?
Scammers can spoof the sender. Verizon has addressed this type of message in the past, saying it's meant to trick people into submitting card details.
I clicked the link. What now?
Contact Verizon using the app or a number you find yourself, then reach out to any bank or service you think is affected.
Sources
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