Scam collection
SMS phishing scams in the United States
People often search for text scams while the message is still in front of them. This collection focuses on SMS phishing and smishing patterns affecting people in the United States, where bank alerts, delivery texts, toll notices, and account-verification scams remain common.
Common searches
Why you should know this
- People rarely know the word smishing when the message arrives, so this page helps bridge plain-language search to the right scam family.
- The U.S. reporting and recovery path matters here because users may need FTC, IC3, carrier, and financial-account guidance quickly.
- It is a stronger landing page than a generic text-scam article because it combines platform intent, country context, and rich reporting links.
What to check first
- Do not tap the link in the text. Open the real app or type the official website manually instead.
- Take a screenshot of the message, sender, and linked domain before deleting anything.
- If you entered credentials, secure the account first and then report the incident through the right U.S. channel.
Where to report it
Report spam texts and phishing
FTC Consumer Advice
FTC explains how to forward spam texts to 7726, block the sender, and report the scam to your carrier and the FTC.
ReportFraud.gov
Federal Trade Commission
Best for consumer fraud, imposters, fake payments, shopping scams, and phishing attempts that target U.S. consumers.
File an IC3 complaint
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
Use for internet-enabled fraud, crypto scams, account takeover, fake job offers, and marketplace scams.
Report fraud to CAFC
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Use for fraud, impersonation, romance scams, phishing, and follow-on recovery scams affecting people in Canada.
Report fraud and cyber crime
Action Fraud
Use for phishing, impersonation, booking fraud, romance scams, and other consumer scams affecting the UK.
Official resources
Related hubs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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