Scam texts

Common scam texts, and how to spot them.

Scam texts are built to look real and make you act fast. Here are the ones we see most, the red flags in each, and what to do if one lands on your phone.

Package delivery scam

Scam
USPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. Update here within 24 hours: usps-redelivery-help.com

Red flags: a deadline, a link that isn't the real company website, and a request to "update" details or pay a small fee. Real carriers don't text you a link to pay.

Unpaid toll scam

Scam
E-ZPass: You have an outstanding toll balance of $4.15. Pay now to avoid a $50 late fee: ezpass-toll-pay.info

Red flags: a tiny amount with a big threatened fee, and a link to an unfamiliar website. If you're unsure, go to your toll provider's website by typing it yourself.

Bank fraud alert scam

Scam
Chase Alert: Unusual sign-in detected. If this was not you, verify your account immediately: chase-secure-verify.com

Red flags: a link to "verify" your account. The page copies your bank's login to steal your password. Banks don't ask you to log in from a text. Call the number on the back of your card instead.

Apple ID or account locked scam

Scam
Apple: Your Apple ID has been locked for security reasons. Restore access: appleid-restore-support.com

Red flags: fear of losing your account and a lookalike web address. Check your account in your phone's Settings instead of tapping the link.

Family emergency scam

Scam
Mom it's me, I dropped my phone in the toilet. This is my new number. Can you help me with a payment today? I'll pay you back

Red flags: a "new number", an urgent request for money, and often a plea to keep it quiet. Call your family member on the number you already have. A family safe phrase stops this one cold.

Job offer scam

Scam
Hi, I'm a recruiter. We have a remote position, $300 to $800 per day, only 60 minutes needed. Interested? Reply on WhatsApp

Red flags: high pay for little work, an unsolicited message, and a move to WhatsApp or Telegram. These often end in a request to pay for "training" or deposit crypto.

Wrong number scam

Suspicious
Hi Jessica, are we still on for dinner Thursday? Oh sorry, wrong number! You seem nice though, where are you from?

Red flags: a friendly "accident" that turns into a long chat. Many become romance or crypto investment scams weeks later. Don't reply.

What to do with a scam text

  1. Don't tap the link and don't reply, even to say STOP.
  2. If it claims to be a company, contact them using their official app or a number you already trust.
  3. Report it: forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), then delete it.
  4. Not sure? Paste it into FraudAngel and get an answer in seconds.

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Questions people ask

What happens if I tapped a link in a scam text?

Don't enter any information on the page. If you already entered a password, change it right away and turn on two-factor sign-in. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank on the number on your card.

Can I check a text without opening the link?

Yes. Copy the text and paste it into FraudAngel, or share it straight from Messages. FraudAngel checks the link for you.

Can FraudAngel filter scam texts automatically?

On iPhone, FraudAngel filters known scam texts into a separate folder, right on your phone, and never uploads your messages. On Android, a step-by-step guide turns on your phone's built-in spam protection.

Should I reply STOP to a scam text?

No. Replying tells scammers your number is active. Report it to 7726 and delete it.