Have you ever received a text message that just doesn’t feel right? Maybe it’s a message that simply says “Hello” from an unknown number or a text claiming you missed a highway toll. If so, you’re not alone. Spam and scam texts are reaching Americans at an alarming rate.
According to Robokiller, Americans received a staggering 19.2 billion spam text messages in a single month—which averages out to more than 63 texts per person or an overwhelming 7,000 texts per second nationwide. While some of these are legitimate automated messages from businesses, many are dangerous scams designed to steal your money or personal information.
Understanding the most common scam texts can help you avoid falling victim to fraud. Here’s what you need to know about the top text scams making the rounds in 2025—and what to do if you receive one.
The Most Common Text Scams to Watch For
Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, but some types of fraudulent messages appear over and over again. These scams prey on fear, urgency, and curiosity. Here are the biggest offenders:
1. Missed Highway Toll Scam
You receive a text claiming you owe money for an unpaid toll, often with a warning that late fees will be applied if you don’t pay immediately. The message includes a link directing you to make a payment.
Red Flag: Legitimate toll authorities typically send notices by mail, not text.
What to Do: Visit the official website of your state’s toll authority and check if you actually owe any fees. Never click on links from unknown sources.
2. Subscription Service Interruption Scams (Netflix, Amazon, Etc.)
A text claims that your Netflix, Amazon Prime, or other subscription has been suspended due to a billing issue. The message prompts you to update your payment information through a link.
Red Flag: Companies don’t handle payment failures via text messages with urgent demands to update billing details.
What to Do: Log into your streaming or subscription service account directly through their official app or website. If there’s a real issue, you’ll see a notification there.
3. Fake Delivery Notifications
These messages pretend to be from major shipping companies like UPS, FedEx, or USPS, claiming that a package couldn’t be delivered due to an address error or missing payment. The text usually contains a tracking link that leads to a fraudulent website asking for personal details or payment.
Red Flag: If you didn’t order anything, why would a package be coming your way? Also, real delivery services don’t demand immediate payments via text.
What to Do: Track any expected deliveries through the official carrier website, not through links sent via text.
4. Bank Impersonation Scams
This scam involves texts appearing to be from your bank, warning you of a suspicious charge or account lockout. The message urges you to call or click a link to verify your information.
Red Flag: Banks will never ask you to confirm account details via text.
What to Do: Instead of responding, call your bank directly using the number on the back of your debit or credit card.
5. “You’ve Won a Sweepstakes!” Scam
If you suddenly get a text claiming you won a lottery, prize, or giveaway you never entered, it’s a scam. These messages often instruct you to pay a “processing fee” or provide personal information to claim your winnings.
Red Flag: Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require winners to pay fees upfront.
What to Do: Ignore and delete the message. If you think it might be real, look up the sweepstakes online and verify through official sources.
6. Fake Job & Recruitment Scams
Scammers pose as recruiters offering high-paying remote jobs or “easy work-from-home” opportunities via text. These messages often include vague job descriptions and may request upfront fees for training, equipment, or background checks.
Red Flag: Legitimate employers never ask applicants to pay for job-related expenses upfront or require you speak to them through a third-party messaging service. Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true or don’t require an interview.
What to Do: Research the company and job listing on reputable sites like LinkedIn or Indeed. If you’re unsure, contact the company directly using verified contact information from their official website.
How to Protect Yourself from Text Scams
Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick unsuspecting victims, but there are a few simple steps you can take to stay safe:
Never respond to unknown or suspicious texts. Replying only confirms to scammers that your number is active, making you a bigger target.
Do not click on links in unsolicited texts. Even if a text appears to come from a company you trust, go directly to their official website instead.
Block and report scam numbers. Most phones allow you to block numbers and report spam. You can also forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile carrier.
Enable spam filters on your phone. Both iOS and Android have built-in features to filter out potential scam messages.
Keep your phone number private. Be cautious about sharing your number online, especially on public forums and social media. Think about using a temporary number that forwards calls and messages to your phone (such as Google Voice), so you can easily disable or change the number at any time.
Pro Tip: If you receive a random message from an unknown contact, and that contact insists on messaging through WhatsApp or Telegram, this is a dead giveaway for a scam. These apps provide encrypted messaging capabilities and relative anonymity that fraudsters exploit to carry out their scams. Unless you know and trust where the invitation is coming from, never engage with these individuals on these platforms.
Final Thoughts: Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Text scams are becoming more sophisticated, but you don’t have to fall for them. By recognizing the warning signs and following safe practices, you can keep your personal information secure. If you ever receive a suspicious text, don’t engage—just delete it and verify any claims through official sources.
Have you received a suspicious text lately? Share your experience in the comments to help others stay aware!
