Suspicious text message help

Start with these steps

1. Do not reply or click yet. A reply can continue the conversation, while a link can lead to a fake sign-in or payment page.
2. Do not use the phone number or website in the text. Even if the message names a real company, verify through the company’s official app, a statement, a card, or a website address you type yourself.
3. Check the claim independently. Open the real account separately or contact the person or organization through a route you already trust.
4. Block or report the message using current instructions. Phone providers and messaging apps offer different controls. Review the FTC’s current spam-text page before deciding what to do.
5. Act if you already clicked or shared information. Secure affected accounts through their official sites and use the guide that matches what was exposed.

Common reasons to slow down

• The message creates urgency about an account, delivery, toll, payment, refund, or prize.
• It asks you to sign in through a link or enter card information.
• A supposed friend or relative uses a new number and quickly asks for money.
• A “wrong number” conversation turns into friendship, investment advice, or a financial request.
• The text requests a verification code or tells you to move the conversation to another app.

These are warning signs, not a final determination. A real company may send texts, but you can still verify the issue through its independently located app or website.

If you already interacted

If you clicked the link, use the after-clicking-a-link guide. If you entered a password, card number, bank information, identity information, or verification code, use the personal-information guide. If you sent money, use the money guide. Contact affected providers through official routes and save the text privately if it may be useful for a report.

Do not paste unredacted private information into Scrammer. Its screenshot and text review stays on your device, but removing private details is still the safest choice.

Official sources

• FTC: How To Recognize and Report Spam Text MessagesOfficial warning signs and current reporting choices. Last reviewed September 19, 2026.
• FTC: Is that unexpected text a scam?Official consumer alert about unexpected texts and independent verification.
• FTC ReportFraudOfficial consumer fraud reporting portal.