Beware of Common Text Message Scams
Last Updated
May 9, 2025
Written By
Family First FCU
Scammers are increasingly using text messages—also known as smishing—to trick people into giving away personal information or making payments. Here are some of the most common scams to watch for:
1. Fake Package Delivery Notifications
Scammers often impersonate well-known delivery companies like UPS, FedEx, and USPS, sending text messages about supposed delivery issues. These messages prompt you to take action, such as updating delivery preferences or paying incurred fees, and include malicious links. These links can lead to phishing websites that have been designed solely to steal your personal information or install malware on your device.
Tip: Don’t click the link. Instead, check your delivery status directly on the company’s official website.
2. Amazon Purchase Scams
You may receive a text claiming there’s an issue with your Amazon account or a recent purchase, which often includes a link to “verify” your account details. These messages are designed to steal your Amazon login credentials and personal information.
Tip: Never enter login info through a link in a message. Check your Amazon account directly or report suspicious texts to Amazon Customer Service.
3. E-ZPass Text Scam
According to a warning from the FBI, scammers are moving state to state with new “smishing” or “spoofing” text messages that claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls with common phrases noted such as “outstanding toll amount.”
The smishing scam targets E-ZPass holders or other road toll services, sending them fraudulent text messages that claim to be from a familiar toll servicer that then trick the customers into clicking malicious links and/or asking for payment information.
Tip: If in doubt, contact E-ZPass at 1-800-333-8655 or visit EZPassNY.com.
4. Other Common Scam Messages
Scammers also send fake messages that say they have information about your account or a transaction. Scammers might:
- Suspicious activity on your account
- Issues with your payment method
- A fake invoice for a purchase you didn’t make
- Another fake package delivery
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify Contacts: Go directly to the company’s official site or phone number, not what was provided in the text message.
- Don’t Reply or Click Links: Do not reply or click on any links from the message. Legitimate companies won’t ask for information about your account by text.
- Be Skeptical of Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt quick action.
- Monitor Accounts Regularly: Regularly check your bank and online shopping accounts for unauthorized activity.
- Report Scams: Report suspicious messages to the relevant company, “delete and report junk” in your message app, and file a fraud complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov.
Blocking Scam Messages
There are many ways to filter unwanted text messages or stop them before they reach you:
- On Your Phone: Your phone may have an option to filter and block spam or messages from unknown senders. Here’s how to filter and block messages on an iPhone and how to block a phone number on an Android phone.
- Through Your Wireless Provider: Your wireless provider might have a tool or service that lets you block calls and text messages.
- With a Call-Blocking App: Some call-blocking apps also let you block unwanted text messages. Search for an app online based on the type of phone you have, and check out the features, user ratings, and expert reviews.
Staying vigilant and informed is crucial in protecting yourself from these scams. Always verify unexpected messages and avoid clicking on any unsolicited links or replying to requests for personal information.
