Suspicious text or email checker
This local check flags wording patterns. Matches are prompts for verification; an empty result cannot establish that a message is safe.
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Warning signs to check manually
- Urgent instructions, payment demands, or a request for verification codes.
- Shortened links or addresses that resemble a different organization’s domain.
- Unexpected parcel, toll, or suspended-account claims.
- Government claims that need confirmation through an official contact.
The recipient should verify the claim through an independently found official website or phone number before following links, sharing codes, or paying.
Based on: FTC spam-text guidance and FTC phishing guidance.
Common scam text messages invent a delivery problem, unpaid toll, account alert, or job opportunity to prompt a quick response. The FTC describes phishing as messages designed to obtain personal or financial information. Check the claim through the actual organization before replying, opening an attachment, following a link, or giving the sender any account details.
A suspicious message should be checked without using its contact information. Open the company’s established app or website, or call a number already known to be genuine. Save the sender, date, and wording for reporting. If information or money has already been disclosed, contact the affected provider promptly and secure the relevant financial or online account.
Examples of scam text messages
Package delivery examples often claim that an address needs correction or a parcel cannot be delivered without action. The Postal Inspection Service warns against unsolicited USPS tracking texts containing links. USPS tracking requests must be initiated by the customer and its tracking messages do not contain links. Visit USPS.com independently to check a genuine shipment.
Checking scam text messages about money
- Check toll balances through the actual toll service.
- Contact a bank through its app or card number.
- Keep account verification codes private.
Toll related scam text messages can copy a state service’s name and threaten a late fee. An April 2024 FBI alert advised checking the actual toll account through the service’s legitimate website. Include the originating telephone number and supplied website in an IC3 complaint. The threat of a penalty should not substitute for checking the balance.
A bank alert can claim that a payment failed or an account needs confirmation. The FTC warns that phishing messages may copy familiar names and logos. Sign into the bank app separately or use the number on the card. Ask about the actual transaction without providing the password, card details, or security code through the message.
Verification codes are intended to help secure accounts. The FTC warns that a person asking for an account verification code can use it to gain access. A caller may claim the code is needed to block fraud. Keep the code private and contact the actual company independently to check whether the account needs attention or protection.
Job offers and phishing warning signs
Some scam text messages offer remote work with little detail about the role. The FTC’s April 2026 warning describes recruiters asking recipients to reply before introducing fake checks or paid tasks. A message can therefore be risky without containing a link. A demand to deposit personal money to earn wages is a reason to stop.
Assess phishing by the action requested rather than the quality of the writing. The FTC describes stories involving suspicious activity, account problems, and payment requests. Compare the message with information obtained independently from the company. The website checking guide helps examine the destination address, while the phone lookup guide explains why a displayed number cannot authenticate the sender.
Keep useful evidence without testing the link. Save a screenshot showing the sender, date, and full message, and record whether anything was entered or paid. The Postal Inspection Service requests these details for USPS smishing reports. Separate what the message claimed from what actually happened so the receiving organization can understand the incident and any potential exposure.
Reporting scam text messages
To report scam text messages to the mobile provider, the FTC recommends forwarding them to 7726, which spells SPAM. The messaging app may also offer a junk reporting option. Do not reply to the sender to complain or confirm a number. Use the provider’s established reporting controls, then block and delete the suspicious message after preserving evidence.
For phishing emails, the FTC recommends forwarding the message to [email protected], the Anti-Phishing Working Group reporting address. USPS related smishing can be reported to [email protected] with a screenshot and relevant details. The reporting guide helps organize a timeline. Avoid putting unrelated passwords or complete account credentials into a report about a suspicious message or supposed support interaction.
Report suspected fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and internet crime at IC3. If a banking or payment detail was disclosed, contact the bank through its established channels immediately. The FTC advises using IdentityTheft.gov when sensitive identity information has been exposed or misused. Reporting the message and securing an affected account are separate steps that may both require prompt attention.
If a link downloaded harmful software, follow the FTC’s advice to update security software and run a scan. Change any compromised password and change it elsewhere if reused. Enable multifactor authentication through the actual account settings. Keep monitoring affected accounts for unexpected activity instead of assuming that deleting the original text resolves information already shared with the sender.
Questions and answers
Can a fake text be dangerous without a link?
The FTC describes job texts that ask recipients to reply before introducing payment demands or fake checks. A message can be risky even without a link. Verify the sender and purpose independently before engaging with an unexpected offer.
Should an unexpected USPS tracking link be opened?
The Postal Inspection Service advises against clicking unsolicited USPS tracking links. Customers initiate legitimate tracking requests and those tracking messages do not contain links. Visit USPS.com independently to check a package and report suspicious delivery messages.
How should a toll demand be checked?
The FBI recommends checking the account through the toll service’s legitimate website or customer service number. Do not rely on the supplied link. Preserve the originating number and website address when reporting the message to IC3.
Can a bank need a verification code to stop fraud?
The FTC warns that scammers ask for account verification codes to gain access. Keep the code private and contact the bank through its established app or the number on the card to check any claimed account problem.
What does forwarding to 7726 do?
The FTC recommends forwarding unwanted scam texts to 7726, which spells SPAM, to help the wireless provider identify and block similar messages. A phone messaging app may also provide its own option for reporting the text as junk.
Where should phishing emails be forwarded?
The FTC directs consumers to forward phishing emails to [email protected], the Anti-Phishing Working Group address. Suspicious texts can be forwarded to 7726. Separately report suspected fraud to the FTC and secure any affected financial or online account.
What details help a USPS smishing report?
The Postal Inspection Service requests the message text, a screenshot showing the sender and date, and relevant details about clicking, money lost, or information shared. Send USPS related smishing reports to [email protected] without clicking the suspicious link.
What should happen after sharing a password?
The FTC recommends changing a compromised password and changing it on other accounts where it was reused. Enable multifactor authentication through the actual service. Contact the financial provider promptly if banking or payment information was also disclosed.
Sources
- Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams · Federal Trade Commission
- Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages · Federal Trade Commission
- Smishing: Package Tracking Text Scams · United States Postal Inspection Service
- Smishing Scam Regarding Debt for Road Toll Services · Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Never move your money to protect it · Federal Trade Commission
- That job offer text is probably a scam · Federal Trade Commission
- What To Do if You Were Scammed · Federal Trade Commission