"Your Account Has Been Compromised" Text — Why It's a Scam
A text message claims one of your online accounts has been compromised and you must secure it immediately by tapping a link. The message might mention Amazon, Apple, or your bank. Legitimate companies do not send security alerts by text with links. Tapping the link will expose your login to criminals.
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How This Scam Works
Critical Risk — Credential Theft Through Fake Security Alerts
Legitimate companies do not send security alerts by text with links. Any text claiming your account has been compromised and directing you to a link is a scam.
Note: This scam typically arrives via text message, not email. If you received a suspicious email, forward it to check@scam.support for a free risk assessment. For text scams, report to the FTC — see all reporting agencies.
A text message claims one of your online accounts has been compromised and you must secure it immediately by tapping a link. The message might mention Amazon, Apple, your bank, or another well-known company. The link takes you to a fake login page that captures your username and password. Scammers then use your credentials to access your real account.
According to the FTC, impersonation scams (including those arriving by text) were the top fraud category in 2023, with reported losses of over $2.7 billion.
Red Flags
- Text claims your account is compromised and you must act immediately
- Includes a link to secure or verify your account
- Mentions a well-known brand like Amazon, Apple, or a bank
- Creates urgency — act now or lose access
- Sender is an unfamiliar number
What You Should Do
What To Do
- Do not tap the link
- Go directly to the company's website or app to check your account
- Change your password if you are genuinely concerned about security
- Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts
- Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM)
Sources
- FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023 — Impersonation scam losses ($2.7 billion)