How to Spot a Scam Text Message (and What to Do)

Your package can't be delivered. Your account is locked. Congratulations, you have won a gift card. Scam texts look urgent, and real enough to make you tap. Here's how to spot them, using the F T C's own advice.

1. Sign 1: Out Of The Blue

It's unexpected, from a number you don't know, and it wants something, like your password, card number, or a code. The F T C is clear. Real companies won't ask for your account information by text.

2. Sign 2: A Problem You Didn'T Know About

It says there's suspicious activity, a payment problem, a purchase you didn't make, or a package you weren't expecting. The goal is to scare you into acting fast.

3. Sign 3: Too Good To Be True

Free prizes, gift cards, or a surprise low interest credit offer? Those are classic bait.

4. Sign 4: A Link That Looks Almost Right

Most scam texts include a link to a fake website that looks real. Look closely, and you'll often see a misspelled name, or extra words and numbers in the address.

5. What To Do

Don't tap the link, and don't reply, not even to type stop. If you think it might be real, contact the company yourself, using the app, website, or phone number you already know.

6. Report It

Forward the text to seven seven two six. That spells spam, and it helps your phone carrier block it. Use the report junk option in your messages app, and you can report it to the F T C at Report Fraud dot F T C dot gov.