How to Identify a Fake or Spam Text Message

How to avoid getting bamboozled by a fraudster using fake or spam text messages to steal your personal information or swindle you out of funds?

Mobile payment apps like Venmo and PayPal have made it easy to send and receive money, but they have also made it easy for fraudsters to scam users. In 2019, the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker program added 47,567 separate text scams to its database. To protect yourself, it’s important to familiarize yourself with common scams and take steps to avoid them.

Table of Contents

[Hide]

Can You Get Scammed by a Text Message?

Yes. Text message or SMS phishing, also called “smishing”, is one of the popular ways used by scammers to steal personal or financial information.

How to Identify a Scam, Spam or Fake Text Message

They appear randomly.

If you receive a text message from an entity claiming to be your bank, it is likely a scam. Reputable businesses and banks typically do not use text messages as their primary means of communication. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of the message, it is best to check for an accompanying email and call the customer service number listed on the official website to confirm. This will help you avoid falling victim to a scam.

It makes little sense.

If the message you received has many spelling and grammar mistakes or seems strange, it is probably a scam. Trust your instincts and be cautious.

It contains strange links or attachments.

If the text message includes a link or attachment, be cautious before clicking on it. Scammers may use links or attachments to infect your device with malware or steal your personal information.

It leads to mean calls.

If you respond to a spam text message or click on a link in one, scammers may try to contact you by phone. If you receive a call from a supposed “customer service representative” who makes you feel uncomfortable or belittled, simply hang up the phone. Another warning sign is if a customer service representative asks for permission to remotely access your computer. It is important to be cautious and not provide personal information or allow access to your devices to anyone you do not trust.

It uses urgent language

Scammers often use urgent language to create a false sense of urgency, such as “Act now or you’ll lose out.” Scammers may try to pressure you into making a quick decision by creating a false sense of urgency.

It offers things that are too good to be true

If a text message promises you a lot of money for little work or effort, it’s likely a scam. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

It try to threat you

Scammers may use threats to try to scare you into giving them what they want, such as “Your account will be closed if you don’t respond.”

It contains requests for personal information

Legitimate organizations will rarely ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account information, or login credentials via text message.

It cotains misspellings and grammatical errors

Scammers may not take the time to carefully craft their messages, so watch out for spelling and grammatical errors.

Fake or Spam Text Message Examples

The following are just some spam text message examples:

Messages offering free prizes or gifts, such as free vacations or cars
Messages claiming to be from a government agency or well-known company, asking for personal information or money
Messages offering discounts or deals on products or services
Messages promoting get-rich-quick schemes or investment opportunities
Messages containing links to suspicious websites or requesting that you download a file or app

The common theme among the above scams is that the sender wants you to give them money or personal information unwittingly. Remember that your bank will never ask for sensitive information over text.

Spam texts can sometimes contain malware or other harmful programs that can infect your phone if you click on a link or download an attachment. It’s important to know how to recognize fake messages to protect your device from these threats.

Common Types of Fake or Spam Text Messages

FedEx Text Scam

FedEx does not send unsolicited mail, text messages, or emails asking for payment or personal information in exchange for goods in transit or in their custody. If you receive any such communication, do not reply or engage with the sender in any way. If you have experienced financial loss as a result of your interaction with a website, contact your bank immediately. You may also want to consider contacting the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the Attorney General’s office in your state.

PayPal Text Scam

In order to avoid falling for a scam, it is crucial to be able to distinguish genuine PayPal texts from fraudulent ones. Scammers often send texts claiming that your account is limited or will be disabled unless you verify or update your information. These messages may vary slightly, but they often contain similar language and should be treated with caution. It is always best to log in to your account directly through the official PayPal website to verify any potential issues with your account.

If your PayPal account is limited or suspended, you will only be notified by email or through notifications within your account when you log in. PayPal does not send texts regarding account limitations or suspensions.

Amazon Access Attempt Text

If you’ve received an email, text, or call that appears to be from Amazon but something seems off, you may be a target of a scam. These messages often claim that you’ve won a raffle or that there is suspicious activity on your Amazon account. However, the only suspicious activity is likely the message itself. If you feel like you’re receiving more of these spammy calls and texts, you’re not alone.

WalletHub Text Messages

You may receive a message on Venmo or another digital wallet from someone claiming to have accidentally sent you money meant for someone else. The person will ask for the funds to be returned and you will see a credit in your cash app for a substantial amount of money, possibly hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you’re a decent and law-abiding person, your first instinct will likely be to return the money. After all, it seems easy enough to mistype a username in the app. However, there’s a good chance that this is a scam.

In this scenario, once the scammer has transferred the money to you, they will remove the stolen card information from the fake Venmo profile they’re using, and link their own card details or bank account information to it instead. After you transfer the funds to the scammer, they will quickly withdraw the money. Meanwhile, the individual whose credit card information was stolen will contact their bank to have the card blocked and the charges reversed. The money will be taken out of your account. Unfortunately, many payment apps do not offer protection against this type of fraud, so you may not be able to recover your lost funds.

An urgent message suggesting that your account has been hacked is about to be suspended or charged

Phishing scams in which fraudsters attempt to deceive you into divulging confidential personal information by posing as a legitimate enterprise have become quite commonplace over a text message. The criminal may employ one of a variety of tactics to spur you into immediate action before you realize what’s going on. Often, the goal is to get you to click on a link to a fraudulent webpage where you will be prompted to provide your account credentials, credit card information, or other personal details. In some cases, you may get a message in your app that your account is about to be suspended or charged for something you didn’t buy.

The bottom line for dealing with dubious texts marked for immediate attention

It is important to not open suspicious texts or click on any links they may contain. Cash-app vendors typically will not ask for your password unless you are on their login page. If you receive a text claiming you sent money to someone you do not know, check your account for fraudulent transactions through the app. If nothing appears to be wrong, delete the suspicious message. If you are still concerned about potential account compromise, contact the app provider directly through their website. Avoid searching for customer service phone numbers as fraudsters may use fake websites to misdirect you. Also, be aware that some peer-to-peer payment systems may not offer phone support.

The unexpected money request from a friend

Fraudsters often create fake profiles to impersonate people in a user’s network of family and friends in order to request payments. They hope that the user won’t verify the request with the person in question, as it can be an uncomfortable topic to bring up. However, sometimes the request comes with an explanation, such as a supposed friend who has lost their wallet and needs emergency cash. It’s important to verify these requests before sending any money.

Wells Fargo Bank Text Scams

One of the largest banks in the U.S., Wells Fargo, has been the target of scams and identity theft through the use of spam text messages. Known as a smishing scam, these texts aim to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as their Social Security or credit card number. It is important to be cautious and protect yourself in the age of online bank robbers and text spammers.

Costco Text Scam

Costco Wholesale Corporation, also known as Costco, is an American multinational corporation that operates in various countries. It is a member-only retail store that offers high-quality products to its members. The popularity of Costco has led to it becoming a platform for scams, such as the Costco Text Scam.

The Costco raffle scam, which has been active for over a year, involves users receiving a text message on their mobile from Costco. The message offers the chance to win an iPad or iPhone by participating in a drawing organized by the company. However, this is a scam and the promised prize will not be awarded.

Walmart Text Scam

One of the most common Walmart spam text message examples is where the scammer will send a spam text claiming that you’ve won a free Walmart gift card. They’ll ask you to go to a link and enter your personal information to claim your prize. If you don’t remember entering the contest, it’s probably a scam. If you think the offer might be legitimate, try to find contact information for the company that is running the contest. If you can’t find any information, then it’s definitely a scam.

Another common Walmart text scam is one where scammers invite you to take a survey about your experience at Walmart. You have to follow a link to a survey and input personal information in order to do so. Do not enter personal or account information on a site like this.

Lastly, if you receive a text message with an online order confirmation about an order that you did not place through Walmart.com, this could be another text scam. Watch out for scammers who claim they just need some additional personal information or payment to deliver your order. A real order confirmation should provide all the details about the order in the body of the message without requiring you to click any links.

Wrong Number Text Scam

A wrong number text scam is a type of phishing scam in which a scammer sends out a large batch of text messages with attention-grabbing but innocuous messages, hoping to trick recipients into responding. If someone responds to the text, the scammer will try to establish a relationship with them and eventually try to steal their personal information, money, or both. The scam can take two forms:

Investment scam: The scammer will send a text message to the intended victim but pretend it was sent to the wrong number. If the recipient responds, the scammer will offer them an investment opportunity and ask for personal and banking information, or send a link to a malicious investment app that will infect their device with malware.
Romance scam: The scammer will send a text message to the intended victim, posing as the wrong number. If the recipient responds, the scammer will engage in smooth talk, leading to a romance scam with the goal of tricking the recipient into handing over personal data or money.

How to Reply to Scammer Text Messages?

The FTC offers clear guidance on what you should reply to scam text messages. They highlight the fact that no company will ask you for account information via text.

If you do think that the request for information is legitimate, don’t respond via text. Instead, call the company in question using the phone number you have for them. This way, you will know you are contacting a legitimate company.

Never open the link
Do research before replying with STOP
Report a bad message to your carrier
Other places to report a fake message

How to Avoid Receiving Spam, Scam, or Fake Text Messages?

Spam texts are annoying and dangerous. Spam texts often install malicious software on your smartphone and try to access your personal information. According to the Federal Trade Commission, sending unsolicited, commercial text messages to a wireless device is prohibited unless the sender has your permission.

But don’t worry, you can stop unwanted text messages from appearing on your cell phone. Are you ready to get rid of scam text messages.? Here are seven easy steps to stop receiving spam SMS.

Be Careful While Giving Out Phone Numbers

To protect yourself from spam text messages and scammers, it is important to be careful about who you give your phone number. Legitimate companies should not ask for sensitive personal information like passwords, government ID numbers, or phone numbers. By being cautious, you can take a crucial step in preventing unwanted messages.

Don’t Click Any of The Links You Receive

Clicking on any strange links on your mobile phone can lead to phishing scams, malware infection, and unnecessary increases in your phone bill. These links can introduce you to more spam and steal your sensitive personal information. The malware can take up your phone’s memory and reduce its performance. Furthermore, you may be charged for receiving a text message or any other service you did not request. It is best to avoid clicking on these strange links.

Don’t Respond To Spam Messages

It’s always best to avoid engaging with unknown or suspicious text messages, as they could be part of a scam. Replying to these messages can confirm to the sender that your number is active and may even provide them with additional information that they can use to target you. Instead, you can block the number to prevent them from contacting you again.

Block The Spam Numbers

Blocking spam numbers is one of the easiest yet most effective methods to stop receiving spam texts. You can easily cut off the sender’s line of communication. The scammers can message you again using different phone numbers, but it’s better to block them as you don’t have to receive the spam text from the same sender.

Report the Spam Number and Texts

You can also report text messages to your carrier. No matter what phone you have, just forward the text message to SPAM (7726).

Use the Message Filtering Options on Your Phone

Filtering spam messages reduces the volume of spam texts on your mobile phone. It filters messages from unknown or non-saved numbers. They are not the best option but are useful for keeping your text messaging app less congested.

Install Text Blocking Apps

The best way to add an extra layer of protection to your device from spam texts is to use a text-blocking app like RealCall. It is capable of smartly blocking spam calls and text messages behind your smartphone based on a database. Furthermore, users are also allowed to customize blocking items based on preferences and demands.

How to Block Spam Texts on Your phone

Spam text blocking works perfectly on both iPhone and Android devices. Here are ways to block spam numbers on both iPhone and Android devices:

Block Spam Texts on Android Devices

Follow these simple steps to stop spam texts on an Android device.

Step 1. Open the messaging app and select the text you want to block.
Step 2. At the top corner, select the three-dot menu.
Step 3. Select “Details” from the drop-down menu.
Step 4. Select “Block Contact” from the drop-down menu.

Block Spam Text On iPhone

Step 1. Open the messaging app and select the text you want to block.
Step 2. Select the arrow next to the phone number located at the top of the screen.
Step 3. Select the “Info” icon.
Step 4. At the bottom of the page, choose the red-highlighted “Block this Caller” option.

How to Report the Spam Number and Texts

You can send any spam text messages to 7726 that notifies your carrier about the spam texts. They’ll examine if the SMS is fake or illegal, and the carrier has the option to block those numbers.

Report Spam Text Messages on iPhone

Step 1. Copy the phone number of the sender.
Step 2. Press and hold the text message for a long time.
Step 3. Select the “More” option.
Step 4. In the lower right corner, tap the “Arrow” icon.
Step 5. In the To: field, type 7726.
Step 6. Your carrier will respond with a request for you to provide the sender’s phone number.
Step 7. Now paste the number you copied before and submit it. The carrier will respond to it.

Report Spam Text Messages on Android

Step 1. Open the messages.
Step 2. On the left, select the “Contact” icon.
Step 3. In the lower right corner, select “Report”.
Step 4. Select Okay after selecting “General Spam”.

How to Block Spam Texts with the Message Filtering Options on Your Phone

Filter Text Messages on Android

Step 1. Open the messaging app.
Step 2. Click the three dots symbol in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
Step 3. Select “Settings” then “Spam Protection”.
Step 4. Select the “Enable Spam Protection” option at the bottom of the page.
Step 5. Swipe the button to the right to turn it on.

If you can’t find the Spam Protection option on your mobile phone, your phone doesn’t support this feature.

Filter Text Messages on iPhone

Step 1. Select “Messages” from the Settings.
Step 2. Scroll down to the “Filter Unknown Senders” section.
Step 3. Swipe the button to the right to turn it on. All messages from numbers that aren’t saved in your contact list will be directed to the “Unknown Senders” page under “Filters”.