How to Spot a Fake Text Message (Smishing Scam)

Scam texts cost Americans $470 million in 2024. Learn how to recognize a fake text before you tap any links.

In this guide (6 steps):

1.Know what a smishing scam looks like
2.Look for these red flags
3.Never tap links in unexpected texts
4.Check the sender carefully
5.Forward spam texts to 7726
6.What to do if you already tapped a link

Know what a smishing scam looks like

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Smishing is when a scammer sends a text pretending to be a real company — like FedEx, your bank, Amazon, USPS, or even the IRS. The goal is to get you to tap a link and enter your personal information or pay money.

Quick Tip

The FTC says text scams hit a record $470 million in losses in 2024. Seniors are the most targeted group. Learn more at consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-report-spam-text-messages

Look for these red flags

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Watch out for: urgency ("Your account will be closed in 24 hours!"), strange sender numbers or email addresses, links with odd web addresses (like "usps-delivery.net" instead of usps.com), requests for gift cards or wire transfers, and unexpected prizes or refunds.

Warning

Real companies like FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and your bank will NEVER ask you to pay with gift cards or send them money by text message.

Never tap links in unexpected texts

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If you get a text about a package, an account problem, or a payment — do not tap the link. Instead, open your web browser and type the company's real website address yourself (like fedex.com or amazon.com) to check your account directly.

Check the sender carefully

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Legitimate companies usually send texts from short 5-6 digit numbers called "short codes" (like 22395 for USPS). If you get a long phone number claiming to be a big company, that's a warning sign. Scammers also send texts from email addresses or random international numbers.

Forward spam texts to 7726

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Forward any suspicious text message to 7726 (which spells SPAM on your keypad). It's free on all US carriers. This reports the scam to your carrier so they can block it for other customers.

Quick Tip

You can also report text scams directly to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov — it takes less than 2 minutes.

What to do if you already tapped a link

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If you tapped a scam link: do not enter any personal information. Close the browser immediately. If you entered a password, change it right away. If you entered a credit card number, call your bank and report it. Run a security scan on your phone.

Warning

Contact your bank immediately if you entered any payment information. Many banks can reverse unauthorized charges if you report them quickly.

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You've completed: How to Spot a Fake Text Message (Smishing Scam)

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