Text Message Scams

Text message scams arrive as SMS or app messages that pretend to be from a delivery company, bank, government agency, or even a stranger who 'texted the wrong number.' They usually contain a short, urgent message and a link. The goal is to get you to click before you think, so you hand over login details, card numbers, or a verification code.

Common red flags

  • An unexpected text with a link from a number you do not recognise
  • Urgent wording such as 'act now' or 'your account will be closed'
  • A request to pay a small fee to release a package or avoid a fine
  • Shortened or odd-looking links that do not match the real company
  • A request for a verification code, password, or card number

Text Message scam guides

Medium risk Text Message

Wrong Number Text Scam

This scam starts with a friendly 'wrong number' text, builds a casual conversation over time, and eventually steers you toward a fake investment.
High risk Text Message

Fake Toll Road Text Scam

This scam texts you about a small unpaid toll and threatens late fees, linking to a fake page that collects your card and personal details.
Medium risk Text Message

Fake Voicemail Text Scam

This scam sends a text or email claiming you have a new voicemail or missed call, with a link to 'listen' that leads to a phishing page or prompts you to install an app.
High risk Text Message

Two-Factor Code Text Scam

In this scam a fraudster triggers a genuine two-factor or one-time code to your phone, then poses as support staff or a contact to pressure you into reading it back so they can take over your account.
Medium risk Text Message

Amazon Prime Text Scam

This scam sends a text claiming your Amazon Prime membership has auto-renewed or that a payment failed, with a number to call or a link to 'cancel' that is used to harvest your login and card details.
High risk Text Message

SIM Swap Scam

In a SIM swap scam, a fraudster persuades your mobile carrier to move your number to their SIM, then intercepts your calls and one-time codes to break into your accounts.
High risk Text Message

Utility Disconnection Scam

This scam uses a text or call posing as your electricity, gas, or water company, threatening to cut off service within the hour unless you pay immediately by an unusual method.
Medium risk Text Message

Family Emergency Text Scam

This scam sends a text from an unknown number claiming to be your child or relative who lost their phone, then urgently asks you to pay a bill or send money.
Medium risk Text Message

QR Code Scam

This scam uses a malicious QR code, often a sticker over a real one or sent by text, that leads to a fake payment or login page or prompts a harmful app install.
Medium risk Text Message

Lottery Winner Scam

This scam tells you that you have won a lottery or prize draw you never entered, then asks for an upfront fee, tax payment, or personal details to release the supposed winnings.
Medium risk Text Message

Text From Your Own Number Scam

This scam sends a text that appears to come from your own phone number, often posing as your mobile carrier with a reward or account-issue link, using the spoofed sender to seem trustworthy.
Medium risk Text Message

Fake Phone Carrier Text Scam

This scam sends a text posing as your mobile network, claiming a loyalty reward, overdue bill, or account problem, and links to a fake login or payment page that harvests your details.
Medium risk Text Message

Customer Survey Scam

This scam invites you to complete a short customer satisfaction survey for a reward from a known brand, then asks for card details to cover 'shipping' on the prize or harvests your personal data.

Frequently asked questions

How do scammers get my phone number?
Numbers are often guessed at random, bought from data leaks, or collected from old sign-up forms. Receiving a scam text does not mean you were specifically targeted or that your accounts are compromised.
Is it safe to reply STOP to a scam text?
Replying anything, including STOP, can confirm to a scammer that your number is active. For unknown suspicious texts it is usually safer to not reply, block the number, and delete the message.
Should I click the link just to see what it is?
No. Even opening a scam link can expose information about your device or lead to a convincing fake login page. If you want to check something, visit the company's official website or app directly.

Related scam categories

Delivery & Postal Scams

Delivery scams impersonate couriers and postal services with fake 'missed delivery' or 'customs fee' messages that lead to phishing pages.

8 guides

Bank & Payment Scams

Bank and payment scams impersonate your bank or a payment service to trigger panic, then push you to share codes, move money, or log in on a fake page.

10 guides

Government, Tax & Legal Scams

Government and tax scams impersonate agencies to threaten fines, arrest, or deportation, then demand urgent payment by unusual methods.

7 guides

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.