Is This Text Message a Scam? How to Tell in 60 Seconds

Scam texts — sometimes called smishing (SMS + phishing) — are everywhere now. A link about a "missed delivery," a "bank alert," or a stranger who texts "Hey, is this still your number?" They're designed to look ordinary so you tap without thinking.

Here's a 60-second checklist to tell a scam text from a real one.

Common scam-text types

• Package delivery: "USPS could not deliver your package. Update your address here: [link]." Real carriers don't text random links demanding a fee or your card.
• Bank or card alert: "Suspicious charge — verify now." Banks don't ask you to confirm details through a texted link.
• Toll or fine: "You have an unpaid toll. Pay to avoid a penalty." A fast-growing scam in the US.
• "Wrong number" that turns friendly: A stranger texts by "mistake," chats you up, and eventually pitches a crypto or investment "opportunity." This is a long-con scam.

The red flags

1. An unexpected link, especially a shortened one or a strange domain.
2. Urgency or a threat — "act now," "final notice," "account will be closed."
3. A request for payment or personal info — card numbers, passwords, or codes.
4. It doesn't match how that company actually contacts you. Your bank doesn't text random links.
5. A code you didn't request — if you get a one-time login code out of nowhere, someone may be trying to break into your account. Never share it.

What to do instead

• Don't tap the link. If it's about a delivery, open the carrier's official app or website and check your tracking there.
• Don't reply — even "STOP" tells a scammer the number is live.
• Verify directly. Call your bank using the number on the back of your card, not one from the text.
• Report and delete. In the US you can forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM), then delete the message.

Got a text you're unsure about? Take a screenshot and forward it to check@fraudroom.com. FraudRoom reads the message and replies with a clear risk level and the safest next step — no jargon.

When in doubt, slow down. A real company will never lose your business because you took a minute to check.