Platform page
SMS scams
SMS scam searches are usually high urgency because people are reading a text in real time. This page groups text-message scams that try to pull people into fake payments, logins, or account verification.
Common searches
Watch for
- The text creates urgency around payment, account lockout, or verification.
- The message includes a direct link or reply instruction to resolve the issue.
- The domain, short link, or sender identity does not match the real service.
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
Tax refund verification phishing scam
A fake refund or filing problem message pressures the victim to verify tax identity through a counterfeit government portal.
Go directly to the tax authority website instead of using message links.
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.
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
Airline luggage fee link scam
A message says your bag will not board unless you settle an outstanding luggage or customs fee through a link.
Check baggage status in the airline app instead of using the message.
Air travelers
Global
Customs seized package scam
A message claims a package was seized by customs and needs payment, identity verification, or legal response to avoid charges.
Verify any customs issue through the courier or customs agency directly.
Online shoppers
Global
Student loan forgiveness phishing scam
A service promises immediate loan forgiveness if the borrower logs into an account or pays a processing fee.
Go directly to your loan servicer or official relief site.
Borrowers
U.S.
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.
Stolen phone data recovery scam
After a phone is stolen, a fake support agent promises to restore data or locate the device if the victim signs in to a special portal or pays a fee.
Use the device maker's official recovery tools instead of any message claiming a shortcut.
Travelers
Global
Biometric ID update scam
A fake public-service message says your national ID, passport, or residence record needs a biometric refresh and asks for payment or identity uploads.
Check document-renewal requirements from the official government website, not the message.
Immigrants
Global
SMS prize alert text message scam
Scam text messages claim you have won a prize or gift card and include a link to a phishing website designed to steal personal information.
Never click links in unsolicited text messages claiming you have won a prize
Smartphone users
U.S.
payment app debt demand scam
A scammer posing as a debt collector demands immediate payment via Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or similar peer-to-peer platforms, which offer no buyer protection.
Legitimate debt collectors do not accept payment via peer-to-peer apps.
Young adults
U.S.
disaster insurance upsell scam
After a natural disaster, scammers approach homeowners with high-pressure sales for overpriced or unnecessary supplemental insurance coverage.
Contact your existing insurer before purchasing any supplemental disaster coverage.
Homeowners
U.S.
power company disconnection threat scam
Scammers call or text pretending to be your electric utility, claiming your power will be shut off within hours unless you pay immediately via gift card or wire transfer.
Hang up and call your utility company directly using the number on your bill or their official website
Homeowners
U.S.
water bill overdue scam
Fraudsters send official-looking texts or emails claiming your water bill is overdue and your service will be suspended unless you click a link and pay immediately.
Do not click links in unexpected texts or emails about utility bills — log in to your account directly through the official website
Homeowners
U.S.
utility rebate phishing scam
Scammers send emails or texts posing as your utility, claiming you qualify for an energy rebate or refund, then steal your bank details through a fake claim form.
Do not click links in unsolicited rebate offers — visit your utility company website directly to check for legitimate programs
Homeowners
U.S.
FSA ID phishing scam
Phishing emails and texts impersonate Federal Student Aid, tricking borrowers into entering their FSA ID credentials on fake login pages, giving scammers full control of their loan accounts.
Never enter your FSA ID credentials through a link in an email — always navigate directly to StudentAid.gov
Students
U.S.
prescription discount card scam
Scammers market fake prescription discount cards that charge fees, collect personal health data, and provide no real savings at the pharmacy counter.
Use legitimate free prescription comparison tools like Medicare.gov Plan Finder or GoodRx
Seniors
U.S.
USPS redelivery text scam
A text message impersonating USPS claims a package could not be delivered and provides a link to schedule redelivery, which leads to a phishing site that steals personal information.
Do not click links in unsolicited delivery texts — check package status directly at usps.com.
Online shoppers
U.S.
FedEx delivery fee scam
A text or email claiming to be from FedEx states that a package requires a small delivery or customs fee and directs you to a fake payment page to steal your credit card information.
Never pay delivery fees through links in text messages — check fedex.com directly with your tracking number.
Online shoppers
U.S.
missed delivery notice scam
A fake 'missed delivery' slip is left on your door or sent via text, directing you to a fraudulent website or phone number to reschedule — where your personal information is harvested.
Verify delivery attempts by entering any tracking number directly on the carrier's official website.
Online shoppers
U.S.
address verification delivery scam
A text or email claims a package cannot be delivered because your address is incomplete and asks you to verify it through a phishing link that collects your full personal information.
Contact the shipping carrier directly if you believe there is a genuine address issue with a package.
Online shoppers
U.S.
delivery preference update scam
A phishing email or text asks you to update your delivery preferences or notification settings through a fake carrier portal, capturing your login credentials.
Manage delivery preferences only by logging in directly through the carrier's official website or app.
Online shoppers
U.S.
boss gift card request scam
An email or text impersonating your boss or company executive urgently asks you to buy gift cards for clients or employees and send the card numbers — a business email compromise variant.
Verify any unusual request from a supervisor by calling or speaking to them in person — not by replying to the email.
Employees
U.S.
romance scam gift card request
An online romantic interest builds a relationship over weeks or months, then asks for gift cards as a way to help with an emergency, travel expenses, or proof of love.
Never send gift cards or gift card photos to someone you have not met in person.
Older adults
U.S.
Amazon account suspension scam
An email or text claims your Amazon account has been suspended due to suspicious activity and directs you to a fake login page to steal your Amazon credentials and payment information.
Log in to Amazon directly by typing amazon.com into your browser — never through email links.
Online consumers
U.S.
bank fraud department impersonation scam
A caller or texter claims to be from your bank's fraud department, warns about suspicious transactions, and convinces you to share account details or transfer money to a 'safe' account.
Hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card or on your bank's official website.
Account holders
U.S.
government benefits impersonation scam
A call, text, or email impersonates a government benefits agency — such as Social Security, Medicare, or unemployment — and asks for personal information to 'process your benefits' or 'protect your account.'
Hang up and contact the agency directly — SSA at 1-800-772-1213, Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
Older adults
U.S.
shipping company impersonation scam
A message impersonating a major shipping company claims a package requires action — such as updating delivery details or paying a fee — and directs to a phishing site.
Check delivery status only through the carrier's official website or app using your tracking number.
Online consumers
U.S.
warranty registration fee scam
Scammers charge a fee to register a product warranty that is actually free, targeting consumers who are unfamiliar with standard warranty registration processes.
Know that most manufacturer warranties activate automatically at purchase and registration is free if required at all
Consumers
U.S.
phone screen protection plan scam
Scammers sell fake or worthless phone screen protection plans through pop-up ads, SMS, or in-person kiosk sales, collecting monthly fees for coverage that does not exist.
Purchase device protection only through your carrier, the phone manufacturer, or a well-known insurer like Asurion or AppleCare
Phone users
U.S.
rideshare account takeover via phishing
Riders receive phishing emails or texts mimicking Uber or Lyft, leading to fake login pages that capture credentials used to hijack accounts and book rides on the victim's payment method.
Never click links in texts or emails claiming to be from rideshare companies — open the app directly instead.
Rideshare users
U.S.
background check fee scam
A dating match asks you to pay for a background check on them as a trust-building gesture, directing you to a fake background check site that pockets the fee.
Do not pay for background checks through links sent by dating matches.
Online daters
U.S.
date location check-in scam
A dating match asks you to check in at a specific venue through a link before your date for safety purposes, but the link is a phishing page that steals your personal data.
Share your location with a trusted friend using built-in phone features instead of external check-in links.
Online daters
U.S.
text then email follow-up scam
A smishing text alerts the victim to a problem, followed by a detailed phishing email with a malicious link or attachment, using the text to prime the victim to expect the email.
Be suspicious when a text message and email arrive about the same topic from unknown sources.
All consumers
U.S.
social media then DM scam
Scammers build credibility through public social media interactions before moving to private DMs where they execute phishing attacks, romance scams, or investment fraud.
Be cautious of new contacts who engage publicly before quickly moving to private messages.
Online users
U.S.
voicemail then text scam
Scammers leave an urgent voicemail and follow up with a text containing a malicious link, using the voicemail to make the text appear legitimate.
Never click links in text messages prompted by unsolicited voicemails.
Older adults
U.S.
Amazon Prime membership phishing scam
Scammers send emails or texts claiming your Amazon Prime membership is expiring, has a billing problem, or needs verification, directing you to a fake Amazon login page that steals your credentials.
Never click links in unexpected Prime renewal messages — go directly to amazon.com and check your membership status.
Amazon Prime members
U.S.
Amazon order confirmation phishing scam
You receive an email or text confirming a large purchase you never made, with a link to 'cancel' the order that leads to a phishing site designed to steal your Amazon credentials and payment information.
Do not click any links — log into your Amazon account directly at amazon.com and check 'Your Orders' for the supposed purchase.
Online shoppers
U.S.
Amazon fake product review job scam
Scammers recruit people through social media or text messages for 'paid Amazon review' jobs, eventually requesting upfront payments for products to review or stealing personal information during the onboarding process.
Legitimate companies do not recruit product reviewers through unsolicited texts or social media messages offering easy money.
Job seekers
U.S.
PayPal account limitation phishing scam
Phishing emails or texts claim your PayPal account has been limited or suspended due to suspicious activity, directing you to a fake login page that harvests your credentials.
Never click links in PayPal alert emails — open a browser and go directly to paypal.com to check your account status.
PayPal users
U.S.
Zelle bank impersonator transfer scam
Scammers call or text pretending to be your bank's fraud department, warn of a suspicious Zelle transaction, then guide you through sending money to yourself at a number they control — actually transferring funds to the scammer.
Hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your debit card — never trust the number on an incoming call.
Bank customers
U.S.
fake Zelle notification scam
Scammers send fake Zelle payment notifications via email or text claiming someone sent you money, with a phishing link to 'accept' the payment that leads to a credential-stealing website.
Zelle payments are deposited automatically if you are enrolled — there is no need to click a link to accept payments.
Zelle users
U.S.
Zelle account upgrade phishing scam
An email or text claims you need to upgrade your Zelle account to a business or premium tier to receive a pending payment, directing you to a phishing site that steals your banking credentials.
Zelle does not have account tiers, business upgrades, or premium accounts that require fees — this is always a scam.
Zelle users
U.S.
Zelle unauthorized transfer alert scam
A fake fraud alert warns of an unauthorized Zelle transfer from your account, directing you to call a number or click a link that connects you to a scammer posing as bank support.
Do not respond to fraud alert texts — call your bank directly using the official number on your card or bank statement.
Bank customers
U.S.
fake Venmo link in text message scam
Scammers send SMS messages with fake Venmo links claiming you received a payment, your account is locked, or your identity needs verification — the link installs malware or leads to a credential-stealing site.
Never click links in unexpected text messages claiming to be from Venmo — open the app directly to check your account.
Venmo users
U.S.
Venmo account frozen notification scam
A fake email or text warns that your Venmo account has been frozen due to suspicious activity, directing you to a phishing site where you must enter your credentials and linked bank information to 'restore' access.
Log into Venmo directly through the app or website — if your account is truly frozen, you will see the notification there.
Venmo users
U.S.
fake Cash App boost scam
Scammers send texts or DMs offering exclusive Cash App Boosts (discount codes) that require clicking a link or sharing login credentials — the Boosts are fake and the links lead to phishing sites.
Cash App Boosts are only available within the official Cash App — never through external links or messages.
Cash App users
U.S.
Cash App account verification phishing scam
Phishing emails or texts claim your Cash App account needs identity verification to avoid suspension, directing you to a fake site that steals your login credentials, Social Security number, and banking details.
Cash App identity verification is only done within the official app — never through email links or external websites.
Cash App users
U.S.
Apple ID locked phishing scam
A phishing email or text claims your Apple ID has been locked due to suspicious activity, directing you to a fake Apple login page that steals your credentials.
Do not click any links — go directly to appleid.apple.com to check your account status.
iPhone users
U.S.
iMessage phishing link scam
A text message sent via iMessage impersonates Apple, a delivery service, or a toll agency, containing a malicious link designed to steal login credentials or install malware.
Never reply to texts from unknown senders — replying enables malicious links in iMessage.
iPhone users
U.S.
Apple Pay unauthorized charge scam
A phishing email or text claims there is an unauthorized charge on your Apple Pay account, directing you to a fake dispute page that steals your financial information.
Check your transaction history directly in the Wallet app on your iPhone — do not use links from messages.
Apple Pay users
U.S.
Coinbase account suspended phishing scam
Phishing emails or texts claim your Coinbase account has been suspended due to suspicious activity, directing you to a fake login page that steals your credentials and two-factor codes.
Never click links in emails or texts about account issues — log in directly at coinbase.com to check your account status.
Cryptocurrency investors
U.S.
Uber account compromise phishing scam
Phishing emails or texts impersonate Uber, claiming suspicious account activity and directing users to fake login pages that steal credentials and payment information.
Log into your Uber account directly through the official app to check for any issues — do not click links in suspicious messages.
Uber riders
U.S.
USPS redelivery fee text scam
Fake text messages claim a USPS package could not be delivered and a small redelivery fee must be paid, leading victims to a phishing site that steals credit card information.
USPS does not charge redelivery fees and does not request payment via text message — delete the message immediately.
Online shoppers
U.S.
USPS address verification text scam
Fake texts claim USPS cannot deliver a package because the address is incomplete, asking victims to click a link and 'verify' their address, which collects personal information for identity theft.
USPS does not contact recipients via text to verify addresses — if there is an address issue, USPS returns the package to the sender.
Online shoppers
U.S.
USPS postage due notice scam
Fake postage due notifications arrive via email or text claiming additional postage is required for a package, directing victims to pay a small fee on a phishing website.
USPS handles postage-due items by attaching a notice to the physical mail piece and collecting payment upon delivery or at the post office — never through online links.
Online shoppers
U.S.
UPS delivery notification text scam
A text message impersonating UPS claims a package cannot be delivered and asks the recipient to click a link to update delivery preferences, leading to a credential-harvesting phishing site.
Do not click any links — go directly to ups.com and enter your tracking number manually.
Online shoppers
U.S.
UPS failed delivery attempt notice scam
A door tag, email, or text claims UPS attempted delivery and failed, asking you to call a fake number or visit a fake site to reschedule — leading to a phone scam or phishing page.
Verify any delivery attempt by entering the InfoNotice number at ups.com or calling 1-800-742-5877.
Homeowners
U.S.
UPS package rerouting fee scam
A text or email claims your UPS package needs to be rerouted and charges a small fee, which is used to harvest credit card information on a phishing site.
Manage package rerouting only through the official UPS website or UPS My Choice app.
Online shoppers
U.S.
FedEx shipment on hold text scam
A text message claims your FedEx shipment is on hold due to an incomplete address, directing you to a phishing link to update delivery details and pay a redelivery fee.
Do not click links in text messages — check shipment status directly at fedex.com.
Online shoppers
U.S.
FedEx Ground tracking scam
A phishing email or text impersonates FedEx Ground with a fake tracking number, directing victims to a lookalike tracking page that harvests personal information.
Always track packages by going directly to fedex.com and entering the number manually.
Online shoppers
U.S.
Robinhood account restricted phishing scam
A phishing email or text claims your Robinhood account has been restricted due to suspicious activity, directing you to a fake login page that captures your credentials and enables account takeover.
Check account status by opening the official Robinhood app — never through links in messages.
Retail investors
U.S.
fake IRS refund deposit scam
Scammers send emails or texts claiming an IRS tax refund has been deposited into the wrong account and ask victims to provide banking details to redirect the funds.
Never provide banking details in response to unsolicited messages — the IRS initiates refunds based on the return you filed.
Taxpayers
U.S.
early filing identity theft scam
Identity thieves file fraudulent tax returns using stolen personal information early in the filing season, claiming the victim's refund before the real taxpayer files.
File your tax return as early as possible to reduce the window for fraud.
Taxpayers
U.S.
state tax refund phishing scam
Phishing emails and texts impersonate state tax agencies, claiming the recipient is owed a state refund and directing them to fake portals that harvest personal and financial data.
Check your state refund status only through your state's official tax agency website, accessed by typing the URL directly.
Taxpayers
U.S.
porch pirate package theft scam
Thieves systematically follow delivery trucks or use tracking information from data breaches to steal packages from doorsteps during the peak holiday shipping season.
Use delivery lockers, require signature confirmation, or have packages delivered to a secure location like your workplace.
Online shoppers
U.S.
fake shipping notification scam
Scammers send fake shipping notifications via text or email impersonating carriers like USPS, FedEx, or UPS during the holidays, leading victims to phishing sites or malware downloads.
Do not click links in unexpected shipping notifications — track packages directly on the carrier's official website.
Online shoppers
U.S.
fake textbook deal scam
Scam websites and social media sellers offer college textbooks at steep discounts, then deliver counterfeit copies, wrong editions, or nothing at all after collecting payment.
Purchase textbooks only from your campus bookstore, Amazon, Chegg, or other established resellers with buyer protection.
College students
U.S.
fake evacuation notice scam
Scammers send fake emergency evacuation alerts via text, email, or social media to create panic, then use the opportunity to burglarize evacuated homes or phish for personal information.
Verify evacuation orders through official sources: local emergency management, NOAA Weather Radio, or your county's emergency alert system.
Residents
U.S.
fake utility restoration scam
Scammers impersonate utility companies after disasters, calling or texting residents to demand payment for expedited power, water, or gas restoration that would otherwise happen through normal recovery operations.
Utility companies never charge fees to prioritize restoration — call your utility directly using the number on your bill to verify any communication.
Homeowners
U.S.
textbook buyback scam targeting students
Fake textbook buyback services offer high prices for used textbooks, collect the books from students, and then never send payment or pay a fraction of the quoted price.
Sell textbooks through established platforms like Amazon, Chegg, or your campus bookstore that have buyer protections.
College students
U.S.
E-ZPass unpaid balance text scam
A smishing text impersonates E-ZPass claiming the recipient has an unpaid toll balance and must pay immediately via a link to avoid fines, leading to a phishing page that steals payment information.
Do not click any links — log in to your E-ZPass account directly at your state's official E-ZPass website.
Drivers
U.S.
SunPass overdue toll text scam
A fraudulent text message impersonates Florida's SunPass system, claiming the recipient has overdue tolls and must pay via a provided link to avoid additional penalties.
Visit sunpass.com directly or call SunPass customer service at their official number to check your account.
Florida drivers
U.S.
FasTrak payment due text scam
A text message impersonates California's FasTrak toll system, claiming a payment is due and directing the recipient to a phishing website designed to steal financial information.
Go directly to bayareafastrak.org or the official FasTrak app to check your balance.
California drivers
U.S.
Illinois Tollway I-PASS text scam
Fraudulent texts impersonate the Illinois Tollway system, claiming recipients owe unpaid tolls on their I-PASS account and must pay immediately through a phishing link.
Check your I-PASS account at illinoistollway.com or call the Tollway's official customer service number.
Illinois drivers
U.S.
TxTag renewal text scam
A text message impersonates Texas TxTag, claiming the recipient's toll tag needs renewal or has an overdue balance, directing them to a phishing page that steals payment details.
Visit txtag.org directly or call TxTag customer service to verify your account status.
Texas drivers
U.S.
NC Quick Pass toll text scam
Fraudulent texts impersonate North Carolina's Quick Pass toll system, claiming unpaid tolls and directing recipients to a phishing site to steal their payment information.
Log in directly at ncquickpass.com or call their official customer service to verify any balance.
North Carolina drivers
U.S.
PA Turnpike E-ZPass text scam
Text messages impersonate the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, claiming unpaid E-ZPass tolls and threatening late fees if the recipient does not pay through a fraudulent link.
Visit paturnpike.com or call the PA Turnpike Commission directly to check for any unpaid tolls.
Pennsylvania drivers
U.S.
Florida toll violation notice text scam
Scammers send text messages posing as Florida toll authorities, claiming the recipient has an unpaid toll violation with an attached fine that must be paid immediately through a phishing link.
Contact the Central Florida Expressway Authority or Florida's Turnpike at their official numbers to verify any violation.
Florida drivers
U.S.
fake DMV toll fine text scam
Text messages falsely claim to be from the DMV, stating the recipient has unpaid toll fines that will result in license suspension unless paid immediately through a provided link.
Know that the DMV does not collect toll payments — any text claiming otherwise is a scam.
All drivers
U.S.
highway camera violation text scam
Fraudulent texts claim a highway camera captured the recipient's vehicle committing a violation, with a link to view the photo and pay the fine, which actually leads to a malware or phishing site.
Do not click links to view alleged violation photos — legitimate citations arrive by mail.
Drivers
U.S.
bridge toll unpaid balance text scam
Text messages claim the recipient has unpaid bridge tolls and must pay immediately via a link, targeting users of major bridges and tunnels with phishing pages that steal financial data.
Contact the specific bridge or tunnel toll authority directly to verify any balance.
Bridge commuters
U.S.
fake stimulus check update scam
Fraudulent messages claim a new stimulus payment is available and direct recipients to a fake IRS portal to verify their identity and banking details, stealing personal and financial information.
Know that the IRS never initiates contact via text, email, or social media about stimulus payments.
Low-income households
U.S.
child tax credit advance payment scam
Fraudulent messages claim parents can receive an advance child tax credit payment by providing personal and banking information, exploiting confusion about eligibility and payment timelines.
Check your child tax credit status only at irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit.
Parents
U.S.
wrong number text pig butchering scam
A seemingly accidental text message from a stranger initiates a friendly conversation that gradually builds into a romantic or financial relationship, ultimately steering the victim toward a fake investment platform.
Do not engage with wrong number texts from strangers — block the number immediately.
Lonely individuals
U.S.
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