Medium riskText Message Scams

Roaming Charge Text Scam

This scam texts travellers that they must activate roaming or pay a data fee through a link, leading to a fake page that collects card and account details while you are abroad and less able to verify.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Carrier impersonation (smishing)
Main red flag
A roaming or travel data text asking you to activate or pay through a link.
What to do first
Do not tap the link. Manage roaming only in your carrier's official app or website.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam texts travellers that they must activate roaming or pay a data fee through a link, leading to a fake page that collects card and account details while you are abroad and less able to verify.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Welcome abroad! Your roaming is not active. Activate your travel data plan now to stay connected: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A roaming activation or fee demand by link
  • Timing that targets you just after you travel
  • A web address that is not your carrier
  • A request for card or account login details
  • Urgency about losing connectivity

What to do

  • Manage roaming only through your carrier's official app or website
  • Set up roaming before you travel through official channels
  • Contact your carrier using the number on its official site
  • Report the text and delete it

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter card or login details on the page
  • If you entered your card, contact your bank to flag it
  • Change your carrier account password if you entered a login
  • Watch your statements for unexpected charges

What not to do

  • Do not activate roaming through a text link
  • Do not enter card details to 'stay connected'
  • Do not reply to the message

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Frequently asked questions

Does my carrier text links to activate roaming?
Roaming is managed in your carrier's official app or account settings. A text link demanding activation or payment is a common scam, especially while travelling.
Why target me when I'm abroad?
Travelling makes it harder to verify and easier to panic about losing connectivity, which scammers exploit.
I entered my card. What now?
Contact your bank to flag or freeze the card, change your carrier password if you logged in, and watch for unexpected charges.
How do I set up roaming safely?
Arrange it before you travel through your carrier's official app or website, and ignore activation links sent by text.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.