Scam text checker

How to spot a scam text

Scam texts are built to make you act before you think. Nearly all of them use the same few tricks:

• A link you didn't ask for. USPS, toll agencies, your bank and the IRS don't text you links to pay or log in. Lookalike addresses (usps-redelivery[.]info, ezpass-tolls[.]com, chase-secure-alert[.]net) are the giveaway.
• Urgency or a penalty. "Within 24 hours", "final notice", "your account will be locked", "avoid a late fee and license suspension".
• A small amount to pay. A $1.99 redelivery fee or a $6.99 unpaid toll, small enough not to question, when the real goal is your card details.
• A brand you trust. USPS, UPS, FedEx, E-ZPass and other toll agencies, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, banks and the IRS are copied most.
• A fake fraud alert. "Did you attempt a $1,249 Zelle payment? Reply YES or NO", then a "bank" call asks you to move money "to keep it safe". Your bank will never ask you to send money to yourself.
• "Wrong number" openers. A friendly stranger who texted by mistake and wants to keep chatting is often the start of a romance or crypto investment scam.
• Too good to be true. Prizes, refunds, crypto returns or remote jobs paying hundreds a day for "tasks".
• Moving the chat. "Message me on WhatsApp/Telegram". Scammers move you off the network that might block them.

What to do with a scam text

1. Don't tap the link or reply, not even "STOP".
2. Check the real way: open the official app, or type the website address yourself.
3. Forward it to 7726 (it spells SPAM) so the major carriers can block the sender, then delete it.
4. Report the sender's number on ShadyCall so others are warned, and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
5. Already tapped and entered details? Call your bank or card issuer now and see what to do if you've been scammed.

More: how to stop spam texts, unpaid toll scam texts, package delivery scams, bank and Zelle scams and "wrong number" texts.