Is This Text a Scam? 15 Red Flags
Is This Text a Scam? 15 Red Flags
Use our Scam Text Analyzer tool to evaluate suspicious messages.
15 Critical Red Flags
- Unexpected Urgency - Immediate action demanded
- Personal Information Requests - Asking for sensitive data
- Suspicious Links - Shortened URLs, misspelled domains
- Threats - Legal action, account suspension
- Prize Notifications - Lotteries you didn't enter
- Grammar Errors - Typos, poor phrasing
- Generic Greetings - "Dear Customer" instead of your name
- Unfamiliar Numbers - Strange area codes
- Payment Requests - Wire transfers, gift cards
- Authority Impersonation - IRS, police, etc.
- Family Emergencies - Urgent help requests. See Voice Scam Risk
- Delivery Scams - Package payment demands
- Banking Alerts - For accounts you don't have
- Job Offers - High pay, minimal effort. See Identity Safety Guide
- Inconsistent Info - Doesn't match your situation
What to Do
- Don't respond or click links
- Verify independently
- Use our Scam Text Analyzer
- Report to 7726 (SPAM)
Report AI Fraud to StopAiFraud.com →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a text message scam?
A: A text message scam (also called smishing) is a fraudulent SMS or text message designed to trick you into providing personal information, clicking malicious links, or sending money. Scammers often impersonate banks, government agencies, delivery services, or family members to create urgency and manipulate victims.
Q: How can I tell if a text is a scam?
A: Look for red flags including unexpected urgency, requests for personal information, threats of consequences, suspicious links, generic greetings, poor grammar, unfamiliar sender numbers, and requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers. When in doubt, verify the sender through official channels before responding.
Q: What should I do if I receive a suspicious text?
A: Do not respond, click any links, or call numbers provided in the message. Verify the sender by looking up the organization's official contact information independently. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to report to your carrier. Document the message with screenshots and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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