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Unwanted text messages are not just about spam. Scam-related messages can cause serious harm if you fail to detect and avoid them in time.
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According to Federal Trade Commission data, Americans lost $470 million to them in 2024—that’s five times the losses reported in 2020.
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The thing is, text messages have a pretty high open rate compared to some of the other mediums like emails. They are also faceless, easy to mask, and fairly inexpensive to implement at a mass scale. All these factors make them a popular vehicle for fraud.
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Scammy texts can appear as a simple “hello” from a stranger or disguised as a message from an individual or organization you already know. Bank impersonations, for instance, may alert you to a canceled credit card, asking you to call a number that’s operated by scammers (to collect sensitive information that lets them target you for financial fraud).
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Similarly, bad actors could mimic the IRS, courier services, lottery boards, retailers, and other reputable entities to download malware, phish for personal details, or launch financial swindles.
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If you want to avoid these, you need to know how to handle shady texts without giving in to scammers’ tricks.
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Here’s What to Do if You Get a Suspicious Text Message
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Most scam-related texts are unsolicited. But not all unsolicited messages involve scams. Here’s how to distinguish between them and tackle fraudulent ones with tact.
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Run a Reverse Number Lookup
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Before you respond to a text message from an unfamiliar number, it is important to figure out its source. For this, you can search the phone number on Google or social media.
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But the easiest way to uncover information is by using Nuwber’s people search engine. This platform has an extensive database covering detailed records of individuals’ names, ages, addresses, professions, criminal records, and more.
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So, whenever someone sends you a peculiar message, you can check the person’s phone number here to learn more about them and confirm their identity.
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Avoid Responding
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Scam texts are often designed to elicit a response by appealing to human emotions like curiosity, fear, empathy, and greed.
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Using them, scammers may try to get you to call a specific number, click a link, share personal information, or make a fund transfer. Sometimes, all they expect could be a simple response from you (like a yes or a no). This helps them determine whether your number is active before they target you for various scams.
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So, if you feel uneasy or unsure about a message, ignoring it is the best solution to avoid unnecessary trouble. Don’t allow your emotions to get in the way, and never follow instructions without verifying information.
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Contact the Message Sender if You Know Them
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Let’s say someone you know or an organization you are familiar with sends you a message from a number you don’t recognize.
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In such situations, you can confirm the text’s source by calling them back using a number you already have for them. If it’s an organization, find an official phone number on their website or social media page.
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This is especially important for avoiding spoofing schemes, where fraudsters use social engineering techniques to mimic legitimate phone numbers.
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Block the Number
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Once bad actors get hold of your phone number, they can continue to target you for all sorts of swindles. So, scam and spam messages can be a recurring issue if you don’t do anything about them.
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One way to address it is by blocking shady numbers. For this, most phones provide a blacklisting option, which you can access by long-pressing a text message. When enabled, future messages from blocked numbers will get automatically removed from your message inbox, saving you the hassle of deleting them manually.
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Another option is to install a caller ID app that could screen and filter out spam and scam messages and calls.
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Report the Message
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Whenever you get a suspicious message, be sure to take a screenshot. This will be useful when reporting it.
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But who exactly should you report suspicious texts to? The Federal Trade Commission suggests consumers alert them about any type of scam (including those text-related) on their ReportFraud.ftc.gov website.
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You should also inform your phone carrier or messaging platform to prompt an investigation. Don’t forget to alert the organization or person impersonated by the scammers.
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Simple Steps to Protect Yourself From Text Scams
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Certain measures can help you reduce spam and scam texts and, thereby, minimize the risk of being targeted for fraud.
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For example,
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- Install a Caller ID App
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Based on the phone numbers flagged by their user communities, these apps can detect and block spam and scam messages, which prevents them from ever reaching your inbox.
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- Strengthen Device Security
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For instance, install a virus guard, make sure your phone has the latest software versions, activate passcode and biometric features to lock the phone screen, and use a privacy screen protector to discourage shoulder surfing.
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- Avoid Oversharing
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What you disclose online can make it easier for scammers to target you. So, practice caution when posting things on social media, delete accounts you no longer use, deactivate data tracking features, and minimize app downloads.
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- Register With the National Do Not Call Registry
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This is a service offered by the Federal Trade Commission to prevent telemarketers from contacting consumers who register their numbers. While this may not curb scams, it can help reduce spam from legitimate marketers.
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- Remain Vigilant
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By watching out for text scam warning signs, you can often sidestep many of the threats. Pay particular attention to unfamiliar numbers, unsolicited messages, unusual spelling or grammar mistakes, and strange requests.
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Summing Up
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According to scam reports, text messages are among the top mediums scammers use to target Americans for fraud.
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So, the next time you get a suspicious text, don’t be in a hurry to respond. Instead, take time to look up the number and authenticate its source. If it appears to be from an individual or organization you are familiar with, contact them directly on a verified number to ensure they have sent the message.
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Once you confirm it is spam or scam-related, block the number and report the message.
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