Top text scams of 2024
Text scammers used five main tactics in 2024 to steal money: fake delivery notices, job offers that demand payment, fraudulent bank alerts, phony toll warnings, and romantic setups leading to fake investments.
How it works
Scammers send unsolicited text messages that mimic legitimate companies like USPS, banks, or toll agencies. The message creates urgency (a problem with your package, suspicious activity on your account, an unpaid toll) and includes a link to click or a number to call. When you interact, the scammer either harvests your financial details directly or builds a fake relationship that leads to investment schemes. Money sent to scammers is not recovered.
Red flags to watch for
- Text from unknown number claiming urgent action needed on package, account, or payment
- Link or phone number in text that doesn't match the official company website
- Request to verify credit card, SSN, or other sensitive info via text
- Job offer with vague details asking you to pay upfront or send money to 'unlock earnings'
- Friendly stranger texting who quickly pivots to investment opportunities
- Messages claiming you owe money for tolls or fees you do not recognize
What to do
Do not click links or call numbers in unexpected texts. If you think the message is real, hang up and contact the company using the phone number or website you find yourself, not the one in the text. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) and report them to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Enable text filtering on your phone to block unwanted messages before they arrive.
If this reached you
Source: FTC . Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.