7 ways to identify a fake text message

A text message scam, also known as smishing (SMS phishing), is an attempt to steal money or information via text. Scam texts that rely on social engineering schemes, which fool you into thinking that a scammer is a trusted entity or person, are called “fake texts.”

Keep reading to learn how to identify a fake text message, common text message scams, and what to do if you discover one.

Here are some of the best ways to identify a fake text message.

1. Unknown or random number

If you’re not familiar with the number texting you, it might be a scam message. Look out for area codes you’re not familiar with or that don’t match a known business’s location, and be cautious of unusually long phone numbers, too.

Here’s what to do depending on the source of the mystery text:

• A business: Don’t respond or interact with the text. If you think it might be legitimate, verify the business online and contact them via an official channel.
• A friend: If a friend contacts you from an unknown number, contact them on the number stored in your contacts list or speak to them in person.
• Your number: It’s a scam used to spark your interest. Any text message that comes from your own phone number is a scam. Some messaging apps allow you to send yourself messages, but as long as you didn’t forget you sent yourself a memo, it’s a fake text.

2. Irrelevant information

If you get a text message that doesn’t make any sense or is out of context, it’s likely a scam. Despite their best efforts, scammers don’t really know what’s going on in your life—unless, of course, you’re a chronic online oversharer. So, if a text message seems random, it could be a scammer attempting to get you to react.

For example, you might receive a “lovely time at dinner last night” text when you didn’t go out for a meal. Your instinct is probably to tell the texter they have the wrong number, but this is exactly what the scammer wants.

Once you respond, scammers might do one of two things: try to start a conversation with you or log your number as active and sell it on the dark web.

In the eyes of a cybercriminal, if you respond to a scam message, you’re a more valuable scamming target. By manipulating you into responding with “wrong number,” they’ve confirmed that you own the number. They hope that you think of it as a harmless conversation when it’s really an attempt at information gathering.

3. Sense of urgency

Scammers often create a fake urgent situation to pressure victims into acting quickly. Be cautious of texts that demand immediate action, especially if they seem unusual for the company or person.

Here are a few examples of scams that try to take advantage of a sense of urgency:

• A fake bank or card issuer messages you with an urgent fraud alert and asks you to verify your identity to recover or protect your account.
• A streaming provider notifies you that they’ll deactivate your account within hours or days if you don't confirm your identity.
• A delivery company asks you to tap a link to provide your address or other personally identifiable information to receive a delivery today, but the link instead installs malware or leads to a fake site.
• A person claims to be a tech support representative, saying your phone has a virus or technical problem they need to fix. This is a common type of elderly scam, but fraudsters of course target people of all ages.

Whenever a sense of urgency arises, slow down and think before you respond or interact with a text message.

4. Spammy link

Be cautious if you receive a link in a text message. Cybercriminals use links to trick you into visiting malicious websites or installing malware. Fake text messages try to make recipients excited to find out what’s on the other side.

Here are some examples of text-based link scams you might run into:

• Package delivery issue: You’re asked to update your details via a link to receive a delivery.
• Survey request: You’re asked to complete a survey and will be rewarded with a gift card.
• Account verification needed: You get a fake bank text message asking you to confirm your identity to secure your account.

Be careful, because a scammer may use SMS spoofing and claim to be a person or company you know or recognize, too. They do this by replacing the sender ID with a trusted entity, hoping to make you feel at ease and not think twice about taking action.

5. Typos and grammatical errors

Be cautious of texts with typos or grammatical errors that supposedly come from companies or trusted organizations. Legitimate companies usually have high communication standards to maintain their brand reputation. Scammers often won’t have access to these same resources or knowledge (although generative AI tools are changing that).

Here are some things to look out for:

• Language: Look for unusual word choices, overly formal language, or generalities such as “Dear Sir/Madam.”
• Incorrect branding: Check the brand and specific stylizations to be sure everything is consistent with what you know (e.g., Iphone vs. iPhone).
• Typos: Multiple spelling or grammatical mistakes throughout the message.

Sometimes a hacker may impersonate a friend or family member and spoof their number. If you have a friend who normally uses “u” who suddenly uses “you,” that might be a sign that something suspicious is happening.

6. Unexpected contact

Be cautious of unsolicited text messages from companies or people you haven’t talked to in a while. Unexpected text messages are more likely to be scams.

Businesses have to meet legal texting requirements. For example, the Telephone Consumer Protections Act (TCPA) requires businesses to get your consent before sending you any automated texts. Without this consent, businesses’ reputations could be harmed or they might even face fines.

But what about the businesses you currently work with? Remember, a scammer could use spoofing to trick you into thinking it’s your bank or streaming service. For example, a scammer may imitate your bank and tell you your account is closing. But banks don’t send serious communications, like account closure notices, through text. If you’re ever unsure whether a message is real, contact the organization via an official channel listed on their website.

If you get a message from a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while asking for info or money, check with mutual contacts before responding. If you have them on another confirmed channel, like social media, you can try and contact them directly. Until you can confirm the message is from them, don’t respond to any requests for money or information.

7. Promise of a reward or prize

Winning something feels great, and scammers know this. Therefore, they often offer a fake prize in exchange for money or information. If it’s to steal information, it could be a way to steal your identity or drain your financial accounts. If you’ve recently “won” something for a contest you didn’t sign up for, you might be a target for a scam.

Here are some examples of how rewards can be used to manipulate you into falling for a scam:

• Pay to confirm: You’ve supposedly won a lot of money, but you need to pay a small fee to cover admin costs.
• Provide credentials: You’ve won a prize, but you need to send over your personal information to confirm your identity.
• Pay for shipping: You’ve won a prize, but need to pay the shipping fee to receive it.
• Tap a link: You’re offered 500 loyalty points for your reward card, but you need to log into a website linked in the text.
• Refer a friend You can win a $100 gift card if you refer three friends through a special link.

Common text message scams

While we’ve shared a few examples above, there are more common text scams to be aware of. Here are three examples that you might run into.

1. Government agency scams: Scammers may pretend to be from a government entity, such as the USPS or the IRS. An IRS scam text might say you’re owed a tax refund or have an outstanding amount due. The IRS will not initiate contact with you via text. Treat any unsolicited text messages from the government as suspicious and contact the agency via an official channel if you’re unsure.

2. Fake toll charges: These texts ask you to tap a link to pay an overdue toll amount to prevent a late fee. The amount is usually small, but if you pay, the scammer gets your money and card details. If it isn’t an official mail-based notice, it’s likely a scam. Check with the tolling agency if you’re worried that it’s real.

3. Student loan forgiveness scams: These fake texts falsely say you’ve qualified for student loan forgiveness. Learn and save the official numbers that Federal Student Aid sends text messages from and their partners’ details. Loan forgiveness programs are free to apply for and participate in, so any request to pay a fee is a scam.

No matter the context of the fake text, they all have something in common: they’re after your personal details or money. To help protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft, pay close attention to any suspicious texts you receive. And when in doubt, ignore the text and contact the supposed sender via an official channel.

What to do if you receive a scam text message

If you receive a text message you suspect to be a scam, follow these steps:

1. Do not respond.
2. Block the number on your messaging app.
3. Forward the text to 7726, informing your wireless provider of the scam.
4. Report the message to the FTC’s official fraud reporting site.
5. Use a breach checker to see if your phone number and other details have been compromised in a data breach. If so, set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on any accounts that have been compromised and change your passwords, making sure they’re strong and unique.

Help secure your personal information

Identifying and reporting fake text messages can help protect your personal information from scammers. But falling for fake texts isn’t the only way cybercriminals can steal your information.

For additional protection, subscribe to LifeLock Standard to help monitor your data on the dark web and get notifications^† of potential fraudulent use of your details. And if you’re the victim of identity theft, our U.S.-based restoration specialists will help you get your life back on track.

FAQs about how to identify a fake text message

Can you fake text messages?

Yes, you can fake text messages. In a process known as spoof texting, cybercriminals can mask the sender ID with a different number or name.

What is the first thing you should do if you’re not sure a message is a scam?

Don’t respond. If the text is from someone you know but you’re suspicious, contact them via another channel, such as social media. If the text is from a business, confirm the number via the contact information on the company’s website and call them directly.

Can you get scammed by opening a text message?

Opening a text message will not automatically scam you. However, tapping a link or downloading an attachment might expose you to malware or a fake website, leading to stolen information or money.

What are some spam text message examples?

Notifications that you've won a contest you never entered or that a delivery company needs your details updated are examples of spam text messages. Before assuming these are legitimate, ask yourself if you’ve signed up for a contest or ordered any deliveries.