How to Spot Text Message Scams 📱
Learn how to recognize scam text messages — also called smishing — and what to do when you receive one.
How to Spot Text Message Scams 📱
Scam text messages — sometimes called "smishing" — are one of the fastest growing scams. They look like real messages from companies you trust but contain links designed to steal your information.
How This Scam Works 🚨
You receive a text message that looks like it is from a real company:
- "USPS: Your package is waiting. Confirm delivery: [link]"
- "Bank of America: Unusual activity detected. Verify: [link]"
- "IRS: You are eligible for a tax refund. Claim here: [link]"
- "Walmart: You won a $500 gift card! Click to claim: [link]"
- "Your account will be closed. Update info: [link]"
The link takes you to a fake website that looks real but is designed to steal your passwords, credit card numbers, or personal information.
Red Flags to Watch For 🚩
- ❌ A text from a company you do not have an account with
- ❌ A link you are told to click urgently
- ❌ Generic greetings like "Dear Customer" instead of your name
- ❌ Spelling mistakes or strange characters in the message
- ❌ A phone number you do not recognize
- ❌ Offers that sound too good to be true
- ❌ Threats about account closure or legal action
What To Do If This Happens 🛡️
Step 1
Do not click any links in the text message
Step 2
Do not reply to the message — not even to say "STOP"
Step 3
If the message claims to be from a company you use, open their app or go to their website directly by typing the address in your browser
Step 4
Delete the message
Step 5
On iPhone, you can report the message by tapping "Report Junk" below the message. On Android, tap the three dots and select "Report spam"
💡
Tip: A good rule is to never tap a link in a text message. If a company truly needs you to take action, you can always go to their website or app directly.
Got a suspicious text message? Silver Support Hub can help you check if it is real! 💙