Have you ever received a suspicious text message from a company or person you thought you recognized, but something seemed off? If so, you’re not alone. Spam text messages—often a form of phishing or “smishing” (SMS phishing)—are deceptive schemes designed to trick people into sharing personal information. Cybercriminals craft these messages to impersonate familiar businesses, organizations, or even family members, preying on trust and urgency.
Spam text messages can target sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, Social Security numbers, and financial information. Some scams even lure recipients into clicking malicious links that install malware on their devices. In May 2022 alone, 11.94 billion spam texts were sent in the U.S., an average of 43 per person (source: Robokiller, 2022). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported a 145% increase in scam texting incidents (source: FTC Report, 2022), underscoring the growing threat., underscoring the growing threat.
In this guide, we’ll review common spam text examples and provide actionable tips to help you recognize and manage these messages effectively.
10 Common Spam Text Message Examples (& How to Spot Them)
To better understand the advantages of business texting in combating spam and ensuring secure communication, read our article on 5 Reasons Why You Should Use a Business Texting Service.
Spam text messages come in various forms, but some patterns frequently emerge. Here are ten common examples and how to identify their red flags:
- “You’ve Won!” Messages
Receiving a text claiming you've won a contest or prize you never entered is a classic scam tactic. These messages often contain links to phishing sites. If you're curious about an offer, contact the company directly rather than clicking on any links. - “The IRS Is Trying to Contact You”
Government agencies like the IRS do not contact individuals via text messages for personal information. Scammers exploit this fear tactic to trick people into divulging sensitive data. Remember, legitimate government communications occur through mail, not SMS. - Refund Notifications
Scammers may claim you are owed a refund and request bank details to "process" the payment. Reputable companies will never ask for sensitive financial information via text. - Bank Account Verification Requests
Fake messages posing as banks such as Chase or Wells Fargo are common. Financial institutions will never request account verification or personal data through text. Always contact your bank directly if unsure. - Package Delivery Notices
For businesses looking to enhance their SMS communication and avoid falling victim to fake delivery scams, check out our guide on How to Text-Enable a Landline: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Scammers exploit the rise of online shopping by sending fake delivery notifications requesting personal information or payment details. Trusted shippers like FedEx or Amazon never ask for such data through text messages.
- Apple iCloud or Tech Account Verification
Fraudulent messages may ask you to verify your Apple ID, Google account, or other login credentials. Instead of clicking on links, always check your account status by visiting the official website directly. - Cryptocurrency or “Free Bitcoin” Offers
Messages offering free cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, are almost always scams. These often promise substantial returns to entice victims. Be wary of any unsolicited financial offers. - Family Member Needing Urgent Help
Scammers impersonate relatives requesting emergency funds. If you receive such a message, verify the situation by calling the person directly or checking with another trusted family member. - Account Reactivation Requests
Phishing messages claiming your account needs reactivation are common. These often contain links leading to fake login pages. Always access accounts by visiting official websites, not via links in messages. - Billing Statement or Payment Alerts
Businesses must ensure compliance with text messaging regulations to protect their customers. Learn more in our article on Legal Aspects of Business Text Messaging.
Fraudsters may claim there's an issue with a recent bill or transaction and include links to resolve it. Never click links in messages like these; instead, visit the provider’s official site to verify any issues.
What Should I Do When I Receive a Fake Text Message
- Avoid responding or clicking any links within the message.
- Report the message as spam to your mobile carrier or use reporting tools provided by your phone's operating system.
- Block the sender’s number to prevent further contact.
- Inform others about the scam to raise awareness and prevent potential victims.
6 Essential Tips to Spot a Fake Text Message
Protect yourself from phishing scams by following these essential tips:
- Check the Sender’s Phone Number: Conduct a Google search to verify if the number is legitimate. Scam texts often originate from unfamiliar or overly long numbers.
- Verify Before Acting: If a message urges you to act immediately, pause and verify its legitimacy by logging into your account through the official website.
- Watch for Poor Grammar or Formatting: Scammers frequently make language mistakes. Professional organizations typically do not.
- Avoid Clicking Links or Attachments: Links in fraudulent messages may install malware or steal information. Always navigate to websites manually.
- Use Reverse Phone Lookup Tools: Research unknown numbers before engaging. These tools provide insight into whether a number is legitimate.
- Be Wary of Personal Information Requests: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive data such as Social Security numbers or bank details via SMS.
Pro Tip: Banks and reputable businesses only request sensitive details through secure channels or in person.
What Should I Do If I Respond to a Spam Text?
If you accidentally interact with a spam text, take these steps to safeguard your information:
- Stop Engaging: Do not respond further or click additional links.
- Block the Number: Prevent future spam from the same source.
- Scan for Malware: Run an antivirus scan to detect and remove any potential threats.
- Notify Your Bank: If personal details were shared, monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
With increasing awareness of text scams, businesses must ensure their SMS marketing campaigns appear professional and trustworthy. Text My Main Number helps businesses send secure, reliable messages to customers while maintaining compliance and security.
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