Cyber for Normies

Scam library

Is this a scam? How to check a text, call, or email in 60 seconds

By Brennan Decker. Updated . Every fact links to its source.

The short answer

It’s probably a scam if it does any of these: pretends to be a company or agency you know, says there’s a problem or a prize, pushes you to act right now, or tells you to pay a specific way such as a gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency (FTC).

To check safely, don’t use anything in the message. Close it, then go to the company’s real website or call a number you already trust, like the one on your card or bill.

The 4 signs of a scam

The FTC says scams nearly always share at least one of these four signs (FTC):

  1. They pretend to be someone you trust. A bank, the post office, a toll agency, the IRS, Medicare, Amazon, or even a family member.
  2. They say there’s a problem or a prize. An unpaid toll, a package that can’t be delivered, a locked account, a refund, or a sweepstakes win.
  3. They pressure you to act now. A deadline, a late fee, a threat of arrest, or a plea to keep it secret.
  4. They tell you how to pay. Gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, cryptocurrency, or a Bitcoin ATM. The FTC says only scammers demand payment by gift card (FTC).

A 60-second check

  1. Pause. Real organizations give you time. Urgency is the scammer’s main tool.
  2. Don’t click, reply, or call back. Links and phone numbers inside a scam message lead to the scammer.
  3. Check on your own. Type the company’s web address yourself, open its official app, or call the number on your card, statement, or the back of your device.
  4. Ask someone. A family member, a friend, or the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360.

Is this text a scam?

Unexpected texts about tolls, packages, bank alerts, a ‘wrong number,’ or a job offer are common scam openers (FTC). The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says USPS texts never contain a link unless you signed up for tracking with a tracking number (USPIS). See our guides to toll texts and fake USPS texts.

Is this phone number a scam?

Caller ID can be faked, so a call that shows a real agency name or number can still be a scammer (FTC). Instead of looking up the number that called you, hang up and call the organization at a number you find yourself. Government agencies don’t call, email, or text to demand money (FTC). More in our guide to fake FTC and IRS calls.

Treat any link that arrives unexpectedly as unsafe, even if the logo looks right. Go to the site by typing its address or using a bookmark. If a message asks for a verification code, it’s a scam: the FTC says anyone who asks for one of your codes is a scammer (FTC). See verification code and account recovery scams.

If you already clicked, replied, or paid

  • Paid or shared bank or card details: call your bank or card company now, using the number on your card.
  • Paid with a gift card: contact the gift card company right away and keep the card and receipt (FTC). See gift card scams.
  • Shared your Social Security number: go to IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze.
  • Shared a password or code: change that password and turn on two-factor authentication (FTC).

Report it

Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and online crimes to the FBI at IC3.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) (FTC). Reports help agencies spot patterns and warn others.

Common questions

How can I tell if a text is a scam?

Look for the 4 signs: it pretends to be someone you trust, says there’s a problem or prize, rushes you, and tells you how to pay. If it has a link you didn’t ask for, don’t tap it. Check by going to the real website or app yourself (FTC).

Is there a website that tells me if a number is a scam?

Lookup sites can’t keep up because scammers fake caller ID and switch numbers often (FTC). The safer check is to hang up and call the organization at a number you already trust.

Should I reply STOP to a scam text?

No. Don’t reply at all. Forward it to 7726 (SPAM), report it as junk in your messaging app, and delete it (FTC).

Who do I report a scam to?

The FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, also the FBI at IC3.gov. If money is involved, call your bank or card company first.

What if I already clicked the link?

If you didn’t type anything, close the page. If you entered a password, change it. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank right away. The Postal Inspection Service gives the same advice for fake package texts (USPIS).

This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. If money already left your account, call your bank or card company first.

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Sources

  1. How To Avoid a Scam (FTC)
  2. Only scammers tell you to buy a gift card to pay them (FTC)
  3. AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (AARP)
  4. Is that unexpected text a scam? (FTC)
  5. Smishing: Package Tracking Text Scams (U.S. Postal Inspection Service)
  6. How To Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam (FTC)
  7. What's a verification code and why would someone ask me for it? (FTC)
  8. Avoiding and Reporting Gift Card Scams (FTC)
  9. IdentityTheft.gov (FTC)
  10. How To Recover Your Hacked Email or Social Media Account (FTC)
  11. ReportFraud.ftc.gov (FTC)
  12. Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) (FBI)
  13. Got a text about unpaid tolls? It's probably a scam (FTC)