Text message scams (smishing) use SMS to impersonate trusted organizations and trick recipients into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information. From fake bank alerts to prize notifications, these scams exploit urgency and trust to steal money and personal data.
Analyze a message nowWarning Signs
- Messages from unknown numbers with links
- Claims you've won a prize or reward you never entered
- Threats of account closure or legal action
- Requests for verification codes or one-time passwords
Example Scam Messages
Fake prize notification
"Congratulations! You've won a $1,000 Walmart gift card! Claim it now at walmart-rewards.xyz before it expires!"
Walmart doesn't run text-based sweepstakes. The .xyz domain is not affiliated with Walmart.
Fake government message
"IRS Notice: You have an outstanding tax payment of $3,200. Pay immediately to avoid arrest. Click here to pay now."
The IRS never sends threatening texts, doesn't threaten arrest, and doesn't collect payments via links.
Frequently Asked Questions
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