Before you respond
Is this text a scam?
Learn the signs to slow down for in unexpected texts, including links, codes, payment requests, and pressure to respond quickly.
Reviewed June 10, 2026
Quick answer
A text may be a scam if it arrives unexpectedly and asks you to click a link, share a code, pay money, or act right away.
Slow down before you respond. Use a phone number, website, or app you already trust to check whether the message is real.
At a glance
Text scams use familiar stories to push a fast reply, link click, call, payment, or code share.
- The message is unexpected or from a number you do not recognize.
- It asks for a password, one-time code, card number, Social Security number, or driver's license number.
- It pushes you to click a link, call a number, or reply before you can think.
Do not reply or click the link yet.
Text message signs to compare
Use the pattern of the message, not just the sender name, to decide what to verify next.
Message detail
Reason for contact
Lower-pressure text
Expected update from a service you already use
Higher-risk warning sign
Unexpected warning about money, delivery, tolls, jobs, or account access
Message detail
Requested action
Lower-pressure text
Review information in an official app
Higher-risk warning sign
Click a link, reply fast, share a code, or pay from the text
Message detail
Verification path
Lower-pressure text
You can confirm through a trusted app, bill, card, or website
Higher-risk warning sign
The text gives the only link or phone number and pressures you to use it
A real company can still text you. The safer step is to verify through a channel you already trust before responding.
How text scams try to get a quick response
Text scams work because they feel immediate. A message may claim there is a package issue, bank problem, unpaid toll, job offer, refund, or family emergency. The exact story changes, but the goal is usually the same: get you to reply, click, call, pay, or share private information before you verify.
A useful first check is to look for pressure and a requested action. If a text asks for a one-time code, password, card number, payment, or a link click, pause and verify another way. For broad message checks, compare the pattern with common bank fraud alert texts or package delivery texts before responding.
What it may look like
"Fraud alert: did you make a $984 purchase? Reply YES or NO or call this number now."
Signs to slow down
- The message is unexpected or from a number you do not recognize.
- It asks for a password, one-time code, card number, Social Security number, or driver's license number.
- It pushes you to click a link, call a number, or reply before you can think.
- It says your account, money, delivery, job, or toll balance needs urgent action.
What to do next
- Do not reply or click the link yet.
- Open the official app or type the official website yourself.
- Call the company using a number you already trust.
- Ask a trusted contact for a second opinion if you still feel unsure.
- Report unwanted texts using your phone's report junk option or forward them to 7726.
How to report it
- Forward unwanted scam texts to 7726 when your carrier supports it.
- Use your phone's report junk option, then delete the message after you save anything needed.
- Report fraud attempts to ReportFraud.ftc.gov, especially if money, identity details, or account access were involved.
How Olevo can help
Olevo can give you a calm second opinion before you respond.
If you can copy the words, paste or type the message for a Private Check, or choose Detailed Review when you want a closer review.
Trusted sources
Is that unexpected text a scam?
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance covers fake fraud alerts, delivery issues, unpaid tolls, job offers, and wrong-number texts.
Top text scams of 2024
Federal Trade Commission
FTC data shows $470 million in reported 2024 losses from scams that started with text messages.
Cryptocurrency and AI Scams Bilk Americans of Billions
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI IC3 reporting names phishing, spoofing, extortion, and investment schemes among the most reported complaint types.
Common questions
What is the safest first step with an unexpected text?
Do not reply or click. Check the message through an official app, website, or phone number you already trust.
Can a real company ask me to verify something by text?
Sometimes companies send alerts, but you should still avoid links and numbers in unexpected messages. Go directly to the official account instead.
Should I delete a suspicious text?
After you report it through your phone or forward it to 7726, deleting it can help you avoid tapping it later.
What should I do if I replied to a scam text?
Stop replying, do not click any links, and avoid sharing more information. If you shared money, account details, passwords, or codes, contact the affected company or bank directly.