01
Package on hold
+1 (555) 014-2271 · Text Message
USPS: Your package is on hold due to an incomplete address. Update within 24 hours or it will be returned.usps-redelivery-help[.]top
Red flags
- A 24-hour deadline
- A strange link
- Never says what you ordered
do this insteadOpen the carrier's app yourself and enter your tracking number.
02
Unpaid toll
+1 (555) 019-8834 · Text Message
NOTICE: You have an unpaid toll balance of $6.85. Pay today to avoid a $50 late fee.toll-services-pay[.]info
Red flags
- Tiny amount, big threat
- Pay today or else
- Lookalike payment site
do this insteadGo to the official toll website yourself. Never use the text's link.
03
Fake fraud alert
72401 · Text Message
FRAUD ALERT: Did you attempt a purchase of $980.00 at ELECTRO MART? Reply YES or NO.
NO
Incoming call · "Fraud Department"
Red flags
- Any reply confirms your number
- The callback 'fraud team' is the scammer
- Asks you to move your money
do this insteadCall the number on the back of your card.
04
Job you never applied for
+1 (555) 013-5590 · Text Message
Hi! We reviewed your resume. Remote role, $300-$800/day, 30 min a day, no experience needed. Message our recruiter to start today.
Red flags
- You never applied
- Pay that's too good
- Deposit money to 'unlock' earnings
do this insteadA real job never asks you to pay to get paid.
05
The wrong number
+1 (555) 017-3306 · Text Message
Hi, is this David? It's Mia from the Saturday yoga class!
Sorry, wrong number
Oh my mistake! You seem nice though. Where are you from?
My uncle taught me crypto trading. I made $12k last month...
Red flags
- A friendly 'mistake'
- Trust built over days
- Then: an investment
do this insteadIf a text stranger mentions crypto or investing, stop replying and block.
!!
Read the link
Real companies send you to their own website, not a lookalike.
Fake links look like this
usps-redelivery-help[.]top
paypa1-account-check[.]info
mybank.secure-verify[.]co
The tells
- Extra words added to a brand"-help", "-secure", "-verify"
- Odd endings.top, .info, .co, .xyz
- Misspellings1 for l, 0 for o
When in doubt, don't tap. Type the company's address yourself or open its app.
→
Got a scam text? Do this.
Don't tap. Don't reply.
Not even STOP. Any reply confirms your number is live.
Forward it to 7726
That spells SPAM. Your carrier uses these reports to block senders.
Report it
Delete and block
Then forget it.
??
Already tapped? Don't panic.
- Only opened the page
- Close it. Enter nothing.
- Typed card details
- Call the number on the back of your card and ask them to block it.
- Entered a password
- Change it now, anywhere you reused it, and turn on two-step sign-in.
- Shared your SSN
- Get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov.