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    Before you respond

    Is this text a scam?

    Learn calm signs that a text may be a scam, what to do before you respond, and how Olevo can give you a second opinion.

    Reviewed May 14, 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.

    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 Olevo can help

    Olevo can give you a calm second opinion before you respond.

    See plansMore examples

    Trusted sources

    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.

    Related examples

    Bank fraud alert textsPackage delivery textsUnpaid toll texts

    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.