How to Spot a Scam Text Message — 7 Red Flags to Watch For
Scam texts have become more convincing than ever, often appearing in the same message thread as real texts from your bank or delivery company. But there are seven reliable red flags that give them away every time. Once you learn them, you will never fall for a smishing text again.
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The Seven Red Flags
Learn These Once — Never Fall for a Scam Text Again
These seven red flags are present in virtually every scam text message. Once you learn them, you will spot smishing attempts within seconds.
Note: This guide covers text message (SMS) scams, not email. If you received a suspicious email, forward it to check@scam.support for a free risk assessment. For text scams, forward to 7726 (SPAM) and report to the FTC — see all reporting agencies.
Scam texts have become more convincing than ever, sometimes appearing in the same message thread as real texts from your bank or delivery company due to sender ID spoofing. But there are seven reliable red flags that give them away every time.
1. Contains a Link
Legitimate companies rarely include links in text messages, especially for sensitive actions like verifying your account or making payments. If a text includes a link, treat it as suspicious.
2. Creates Urgency
"Act now," "within 24 hours," "immediate action required" — scam texts always create urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly or asking someone for advice.
3. Threatens Consequences
"Your account will be closed," "you will be charged," "legal action will begin" — real companies give you time and multiple notices, not threats by text.
4. Asks for Personal Information
No legitimate organization will ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, PINs, or bank details via text message.
5. Comes from an Unknown Number
While some companies use short codes for text alerts, an unexpected text from a regular phone number claiming to be your bank or a government agency is almost always a scam.
6. Mentions Something You Did Not Initiate
You did not enter a prize draw, you do not have an unpaid toll, your package was not undeliverable — if you did not initiate the interaction, the text is likely a scam.
7. Asks You to Call a Non-Official Number
Some scam texts ask you to call a number. Legitimate company numbers can be found on their official website or on the back of your card — not in a text message.
Red Flags
- Contains a link — real companies rarely text links
- Creates urgency — act now or face consequences
- Threatens account closure, fines, or legal action
- Asks for personal information like passwords or SSN
- Comes from an unknown number claiming to be a known company
- Mentions something you did not initiate (prize, toll, delivery)
- Asks you to call a number not found on the company's official website
What To Do When You Receive a Suspicious Text
What To Do
- Do not tap any links in the text
- Do not reply to the text
- If it claims to be from a company you use, contact them directly through their official website or app
- Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM)
- Report to the FTC (US), Action Fraud (UK), or your country's fraud agency
Report Scam Texts
Sources
- FTC Consumer Information — How to recognize and report spam text messages
- National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) — Phishing: spot and report scam texts
- ACCC Scamwatch — How to spot scam text messages