Scam category
SMS phishing scams
Smishing works because people react faster to texts than emails. This category collects scam patterns that start with urgent SMS messages and move toward fake login pages or identity checks.
Category activity
“bank text scam”
↑ 53%Watch for
- The text uses panic language like locked, unpaid, or verify now.
- The link or callback number is embedded in the message itself.
- The next step asks for a login, card number, or verification code.
Common searches
OpenScam News Feed
Bank verification text phishing scam
A text message claims a suspicious bank event happened and pushes the victim to a fake login page before they stop to verify the sender.
Do not tap the link from the text.
Mobile banking users
Global
Unpaid toll road text scam
A text claims you owe a small toll balance and must pay immediately or face late penalties.
Check toll balances from the official site or app, not the text.
Drivers
U.S.
Package redelivery text scam
A delivery text says a parcel cannot be delivered until you confirm address details and pay a small redelivery fee.
Open the courier site manually and check tracking there.
Online shoppers
Global
Tax agency refund text link scam
A text says a refund or filing issue needs immediate identity confirmation through a mobile link.
Use the tax authority's official website instead of the text.
Tax filers
U.S.
Mobile carrier plan upgrade text scam
A text claims a free device or plan upgrade is waiting and asks the victim to sign in through a promotional link.
Ignore promotional login links and check offers in the carrier app.
Mobile users
Global
School closure emergency text scam
A parent gets a message about a sudden school closure or pickup change that links to a fake portal or callback number.
Verify school alerts through the official app or school office.
Parents
U.S.
Utility disconnection warning text scam
A text says electricity or gas will be disconnected within hours unless a payment is made through a mobile link.
Contact the utility using the number on your statement.
Households
U.S.
Parking fine payment text scam
A driver receives a text claiming a parking fine is due and must be paid before extra penalties are added.
Search the city's official fine portal instead of using the message.
Drivers
Europe
Payroll correction text phishing scam
An employee receives a text saying payroll failed and that banking details need immediate confirmation to avoid a pay delay.
Contact payroll through your employer's real HR portal.
Employees
Global
Zelle fraud alert text scam
A text claims a suspicious Zelle payment was blocked and asks the victim to confirm identity or cancel the payment through a link.
Open your bank app manually and review the transfer there instead of using the text.
Mobile users
Global
Payroll tax link text scam
A text tells the employee there is a payroll or tax mismatch that must be corrected immediately through a mobile link.
Contact payroll through your employer's official HR portal or known contact method.
Employees
Global
Hospital balance due text scam
A text claims a recent hospital visit left a small unpaid balance and directs the victim to a payment page that steals card or identity data.
Call the provider from your bill or patient portal instead of the text message.
Patients
Global
Airport parking fine text scam
A traveler gets a text about an unpaid airport parking fee or violation and is pushed to resolve it through a rushed mobile checkout page.
Check airport parking or municipal fines from the public website only.
Travelers
U.S.
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