What should I do with a suspicious text message?

Unexpected texts often try to turn a normal concern into a rushed decision. A delivery problem, account alert, unpaid toll, refund, or prize can sound believable. The safest first move is usually the same: do not reply, click, or call a number in the message.

Look at what the text wants

Pay attention to the action, not just the logo or sender name. A request to sign in, pay a small fee, share a code, or confirm personal information deserves a pause.

Urgency is another warning sign. A short deadline can be used to keep you from checking with the real organization.

• Do not click the link or scan a QR code in the message.
• Do not reply, even if the text says replying STOP will fix the problem.
• Do not share a password, verification code, card number, or government ID number.

Check the claim independently

Open the company's official app, type its website yourself, or use a number from a statement, card, or other trusted record. If the text claims to be from someone you know, contact that person through a number you already have.

A real problem should be checkable without using the contact route supplied by the unexpected sender.

If you already responded

The next step depends on what you shared. If you entered a password, change it through the real account and review the account's security settings. If you shared payment information, contact the bank or payment provider using its official contact route.

You can also report unwanted texts through the options provided by your phone carrier and report suspected fraud to the FTC.

The main idea

You do not need to investigate the sender yourself. Pause, verify the claim through a contact route you find independently, and use official help if money or information may be at risk.