Scammers send fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information — things like your password, account number, or social security number. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers often try to get you to click on links in text messages by promising you something. Below are a few examples of some Fraud Texts to look out for.
The 10 Latest Text Message Scams to Avoid
- Missed delivery notification scam texts from UPS and others
- “Is this you?” messages purporting to be from a friend or colleague
- Text scams claiming that your bank is closing your account
- Texts claiming that you’ve won a prize or sweepstakes
- Texts claiming that your debit or credit card has been locked
- Text messages supposedly from the IRS or other government agencies
- Text messages from your own number
- Texts claiming that your payment for subscription services didn’t go through (Netflix, HBO, etc.)
- Texts about purchases you didn’t make (fake fraud alerts)
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) scam text messages
If you get an unwanted text message, there are three ways to report it:
- Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future.
- Report it on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you feel you have been a victim of fraud, you can report suspicious activities to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, as well as Arvest Bank. In addition, most social media platforms have ways to report user profiles that were either taken over or created with the malicious intent of scamming people.