Scam Text Messages: Top Warning Signs of Text Scams You Shouldn't Fall For

You hear a buzz. Your phone lights up. It’s a text message. But wait—a delivery notification? A missed package? A prize worth a million bucks? Before you pop the champagne or rush to click, ask yourself: is this legit, or have you just received a scam text message?

Text message scams, also known as “smishing,” are rampant in today’s digital world. Fraudsters implement numerous types of tricks, spoofing users’ phone numbers and sending fake text messages to steal personal information.

These text messages supposedly come from a legitimate company or government agency but are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information, like your bank account details or social media passwords.

But fear not! This guide dives deep into how text message scams work, the most common tactics scammers use, and practical steps you can take to protect yourself (yes, using a VPN like Mysterium can help!).

By the end, you’ll be ready to block spam messages and report scam texts like a pro.

What Are Text Message Scams, and How Do They Work?

Text message scams are fraudulent messages sent by cybercriminals to trick individuals into sharing personal or financial information.

Text messaging is a crucial part of daily communication, making it a prime target for scammers looking to exploit its widespread use.

These scams often look legitimate, using clever tactics like spoofed websites or fake text messages claiming to be from well-known companies.

Here’s how these scams work:

1. The Bait: You receive a convincing text message claiming you’ve won a prize, need to verify an account, or have a missed delivery notification. The message creates the urgency to encourage an immediate response.
2. The Hook: The text contains a malicious link or requests sensitive data such as login credentials, an authentication code, or bank account details.
3. The Catch: Clicking the link contained in the message redirects you to a phishing site designed to steal your information.

Fraudsters implement numerous types of scams, from subscription service cons to fake fraud alerts. Their endgame? Gain access to your personal and banking information or rack up phone bill charges.

How Scammers Operate

Scammers are crafty and relentless, using a variety of tactics to execute their text message scams. They often rely on automated systems to send out massive volumes of spam text messages, casting a wide net in hopes of ensnaring unsuspecting victims.

These messages might look like they come from a legitimate company or organization, but their true aim is to trick you into revealing personal or financial information.

These fraudulent messages can be incredibly convincing, often mimicking the style and tone of real communications from trusted entities. The goal is to create a sense of urgency or fear, prompting you to act quickly without thinking.

Whether it’s a fake text message claiming you’ve won a prize or a convincing text message claiming there’s an issue with your bank account, the endgame is always the same: to steal your personal information.

Tactics Used by Scammers

Scammers employ a range of deceptive tactics to lure victims into their traps. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Spoofing: This involves using fake phone numbers or email addresses to make it appear as though the message is coming from a legitimate source. It’s a way to gain your trust and make the scam more believable.
• Phishing: In these scams, text messages are used to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. The message might direct you to a fake website that looks real but is designed to capture your data.
• Smishing: A blend of SMS and phishing, smishing involves sending text messages that trick you into downloading malware or visiting malicious websites. Once the malware is on your device, it can steal your information or even take control of your phone.
• Pretexting: This tactic involves creating a false scenario to manipulate you into providing information. For example, a text message might claim that a package has been delivered or that your bank account has been compromised, prompting you to respond with personal details.

Most Common Text Message Scams

Understanding the enemy is half the battle. Let’s break down the most common text message scams:

Delivery Notification Scam Texts

These messages supposedly come from delivery services like FedEx or DHL, asking you to click a link to reschedule a missed delivery. The link often leads to a spoofed website that steals your information.

Fake Fraud Alerts

Fraudsters pose as banks, warning of suspicious login activity or an unauthorized login attempt. They ask for personal or financial information to “secure” your account.

Sweepstakes Text Scams

Who wouldn’t want to win a million-dollar cash prize? Scammers know this and send messages claiming you’ve won a big prize but require an advance payment or contact information contained within the link.

“Please Text Me” Scam

This scam asks you to text back, often under the guise of a family emergency or financial distress. These scammers exploit your goodwill.

Snapchat Scam Texts

Messages claiming suspicious activity on your Snapchat account lure you into clicking a phishing link.

Group Me Scams

Fraudsters use group messages to send unsolicited texts to multiple people at once, hoping someone will bite.

Hulu Scam Texts

Texts claiming issues with your Hulu subscription or payment aim to steal your subscription services credentials.

How to Identify a Fake Text Message

Spotting a fake text message is easier when you know what to look for:

• Unsolicited Text Messages: If you didn’t sign up for something, why would they text you?
• Urgent Language: Phrases like “immediate response required” or “urgent action needed” are red flags.
• Generic Greetings: Messages starting with “Dear customer” instead of your name should raise suspicion.
• Suspicious Links: Always hover over links to verify their authenticity. Fake text messages claiming to be legit often use slightly misspelled URLs.
• Requests for Personal or Banking Information: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information via text.

Infamous Text Scams

Text message scams, or "smishing," have ensnared countless individuals worldwide, leading to significant financial and personal losses. Here are some notable cases that have made headlines:

Netflix Phishing Scam

• Incident: In late 2024, Netflix users across 23 countries, including the U.S., Germany, and Australia, received fraudulent text messages claiming issues with their subscription payments. These messages directed recipients to fake Netflix pages designed to steal login credentials and credit card information.
• Outcome: Cybersecurity firm Bitdefender identified the scam's widespread reach and advised users to avoid clicking on suspicious links. Netflix reiterated that it would never request personal information via text or email.

FluBot Malware Campaign

• Incident: In 2021, the FluBot malware spread rapidly through Europe and Australia via text messages posing as delivery notifications. Recipients who clicked the link inadvertently installed malware on their Android devices, compromising personal data.
• Outcome: Authorities in 11 countries collaborated to dismantle FluBot's infrastructure in May 2022, significantly curbing its spread.

UK Banking Scam Operation

• Incident: In November 2022, the UK's Metropolitan Police contacted 70,000 individuals believed to be victims of a sophisticated banking scam. Fraudsters used technology to mask their phone numbers, impersonating banks to extract personal and financial information.
• Outcome: The operation led to the arrest of individuals involved in the scam, which had defrauded victims of millions of pounds.

Australian Spam Text Operation

• Incident: In late 2024, Jiahui Liu, a Chinese national in Australia, was found responsible for sending nearly five million scam texts impersonating organizations like Centrelink and Medicare. These messages aimed to harvest personal information and login credentials.
• Outcome: Liu was arrested and sentenced to six months' imprisonment, with all equipment used in the scam confiscated.

Plantation Group Text Messages

• Incident: Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, numerous individuals received racist and homophobic text messages referencing slavery and assigning recipients to a "plantation group." These messages appeared to be mass-generated and contained personal information.
• Outcome: The FBI launched an investigation into the source of these messages, condemning them and seeking to identify the perpetrators.

These cases highlight the evolving tactics of scammers and the importance of vigilance. To protect oneself, it's crucial to avoid clicking on unsolicited links, verify the authenticity of messages, and report suspicious communications to relevant authorities.

Staying Safe: Tips for Protecting Your Phone Number

Your phone number is a valuable piece of information for scammers, but there are steps you can take to protect it. Here are some practical tips to keep your phone number safe from text message scams:

• Be Cautious of Unsolicited Text Messages: If you receive a text message from an unknown sender, think twice before responding or clicking on any links. Scammers often use unsolicited text messages to initiate contact.
• Verify the Identity of the Sender: If a text message claims to be from a company or organization, don’t take it at face value. Contact the company directly using official channels to verify the message’s authenticity.
• Don’t Provide Personal or Financial Information: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information via text. If a message requests personal or financial information, it’s likely a scam.
• Report Spam Text Messages: If you receive a spam text message, report it to your carrier, the Federal Communications Commission, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reporting these messages helps authorities track and combat scammers.
• Block Spam Messages: Use your phone’s built-in features to block spam messages or download an app that can help filter out unwanted texts. This can reduce the number of scam messages you receive.
• Keep Your Phone’s Software Up to Date: Regularly updating your phone’s software ensures you have the latest security patches and features, making it harder for scammers to exploit vulnerabilities.
• Use Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security to your phone and online accounts can make it more difficult for scammers to gain access. Two-factor authentication requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.

By following these tips, you can help protect your phone number from scammers and reduce the risk of falling victim to a text message scam.

Stay vigilant, and remember that a little caution can go a long way in keeping your information safe.

Why Scammers Love Just Your Phone Number

Your phone number is a goldmine for scammers. With it, they can send fake text messages, commit identity theft, or even hijack your mobile phone.

Some scams claiming to be from your carrier may even add related fees to your phone bills without your consent.

How to Scare a Text Scammer

Feeling bold? Messing with scammers can be fun, but it’s a risky game. A safer alternative is to stay vigilant, block spam messages, and spread awareness about their tactics.

The Role of VPNs in Fighting Text Message Scams

VPNs like Mysterium are your digital bodyguards. By masking your IP address and encrypting your online activity, a VPN makes it harder for fraudsters to target you through your mobile device.

If a scam text links to a malicious site, the VPN can add an extra layer of security.

Final Thoughts

Scam text messages are a nuisance, but with a little knowledge and the right tools, you can stay ahead of the game. Remember to think twice before clicking, protect your information, and use a VPN to enhance your online safety.

As the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry.” Because let’s face it, the only texts we want are from friends, family, and that one delivery guy bringing us pizza—not fake text messages pretending to be him!

Stay safe out there, and may your inbox remain spam-free!

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