The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/suspicious-text/
Got a strange text? Here's what to do.
Most strange texts are scams. You don't have to figure out which ones are real. Here's a simple way to handle all of them.
This page is for you if
- A text says there's a problem with your bank account
- A text about a package, a toll or a prize
- A text from a number you don't know with a link in it
Why this happens
The FTC says real companies won't ask for your account information by text. Scammers send texts that look like they're from your bank, the post office or a toll road. The link goes to a fake website that steals your password or card number.
Do these steps
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Step 1: Don't tap the link
Don't tap any link in the text. Don't reply to it.
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Step 2: Don't trust the name
A text can look like it's from your bank and still be fake. Don't call any number that's in the text.
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Step 3: Check it yourself
If you're worried, contact the company yourself. Call the number on the back of your card or on a statement, or use the company's real app.
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Step 4: Report it (iPhone)
In the Messages app, open the text. Tap Report Junk under the message.
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Step 5: Report it (Android)
In Google Messages, touch and hold the conversation. Tap Block, then Report spam, then OK.
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Step 6: Forward it to 7726
You can also forward the text to 7726 (it spells SPAM). This helps your phone company block texts like it. Then delete it.
Already tapped the link or typed something in?
- If you typed a password, change it now. Change it anywhere else you used the same one.
- If you typed a card or bank number, call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Check it with the source
We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.
- FTC: How to recognize and report spam text messages https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages
- FTC: Is that unexpected text a scam? (April 16, 2025) https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/unexpected-text-scam
- Apple: Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes https://support.apple.com/en-us/102568
- Google: Report spam in Google Messages https://support.google.com/messages/answer/9061432?hl=en
Still stuck?
Tell Buster what you see, in your own words.
Or email us at buster@thetechgrandkid.com. Never send us a password or a code.