If you have a phone, odds are you’ve received at least one fake spam text in recent years. According to the Federal Trade Commission, these texts represent such a widespread problem that texting scams cost U.S. consumers $330 million in 2022.
Scammers often engage in phishing schemes. They send texts posing as trusted individuals or institutions. Their goal is to convince a target to provide valuable information such as their bank account information, passwords, etc.
One of the best ways to avoid falling prey to such scams is to study fake spam text examples. The following are a few types of spam text you should be on the lookout for:
Fake Spam Text Example 1: The IRS Needs to Contact You
Those who send fake spam texts want to grab the attention of their targets and encourage them to act before they begin to realize they might be the victim of a scammer. Thus, it’s not uncommon for spam texts to announce that the IRS is trying to contact you. The text may ask you to click on a certain link, call a certain number, or reply to avoid potential consequences.
The IRS will not send a text message like this under any circumstances. If you do owe money to the IRS, typically, they will send you a number of letters alerting you to the situation first. Although the IRS might eventually call if they consistently receive no response, they won’t send a threatening or urgent text.
Fake Spam Text Example 2: Congratulations
It’s the type of text many of us would like to receive: “Congratulations, you’ve won [insert attractive prize here]!”
Unfortunately, such a text is often the work of a scammer. There is virtually no chance you will receive a legitimate text explaining that you’ve won a prize unless you specifically entered a drawing or contest that alerts winners via text.
Fake Spam Text Example 3: Package Delivery
This type of scam text involves alerting a recipient that a package they ordered has been delivered. Usually, the party sending the text will pretend to be from UPS or FedEx.
The text will often include a tracking number link. A scammer may hope you click on the link and proceed to offer up your personal information.
Naturally, you should be suspicious if you receive this type of text despite not having ordered anything recently. Even if you did order an item, the retailer from whom you bought it will likely have sent you an email with a receipt and a tracking number. Use that link to track your package instead of trusting a random text message.
Fake Spam Text Example 4: A Family Member Is in Trouble
Scammers know that convincing someone to send money is much easier if a target believes a family member is in need. A common text of this type might read “URGENT! Your granddaughter was arrested outside of your country yesterday. Please follow the link to wire bail money.”
Immediately attempt to contact a family member if you receive a text claiming they’re in trouble. If you suspect a family member truly is in a dire circumstance, contact the authorities instead of replying to any texts you receive.
Fake Spam Text Example 5: Reset Your Password
A common scam involves sending texts claiming to represent banks or other such institutions with which targets may have accounts. Scammers use these texts to gather information by telling targets they need to reset their account passwords.
Many fall for this scam mainly because sometimes companies legitimately text customers, letting them know they need to reset their account passwords due to security issues or suspicious account activity. It’s easy to assume this type of text is real.
Don’t make that mistake. If you receive such a text, contact the alleged sender to find out if they actually sent it.
Fake Spam Texts: Final Tips
It’s always wise to err on the side of caution if you think a text might be fake. If you think someone who has texted you is masquerading as someone you know, contact that person through another method (such as email) to confirm your suspicions.
If you receive a text claiming to represent an institution like a bank or a company you trust, call the company directly to ask if the text is legitimate.
You can also use a reverse phone lookup tool, like Information’s search, when you receive a text or call from a number you don’t recognize. The tool may provide you with information regarding the identity of the person contacting you.
In the meantime, if you receive any messages like these fake text examples, don’t reply to them. Being cautious and skeptical could save you a lot of money in the long run.
