We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.

We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages.Īnd if you spot a text scam, the FTC wants to hear about it. Don’t use the information in the text message. If you think a text might be legit, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real.

Don’t click on links or respond to unexpected texts.

So how do you avoid these and other text scams? But then they ask you for payment information to cover the “shipping cost.” If you give it, you’ll get unauthorized charges on your account…and no free gift. They just want your money or personal information.Īnother common text scam promises a “ free gift”- if you click a link. Or to reply “yes or no” to confirm a big purchase (that you didn’t really make). It might say there’s suspicious activity on your account and tell you to call a number. The most-reported text scam looks like a fraud alert from your bank, but it’s fake.

Whether it’s the thrill of getting a free item or the panic about a large unauthorized charge, scammers know that these texts are hard to ignore. The latest FTC Data Spotlight explores how text scams try to get you to act NOW. So, what are they? And how do you avoid them? An analysis of consumer reports reveals the top text scams from 2022.

Lots of people have been reporting to the FTC that they’re getting texts from scammers impersonating people and organizations you know and trust - like your bank or companies like Amazon. If you get tons of scam text messages, you’re not alone. Identity Theft and Online Security Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items.Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items.Money-Making Opportunities and Investments.Jobs and Making Money Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items.Credit, Loans, and Debt Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items.Shopping and Donating Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items.

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