Scam texts

Real scam texts people are getting, word for word, with why each one is a scam and what to do if you tapped the link.

Banks and payment apps

• Fake bank "fraud alert" texts that ask you to reply YES or NO

  Real banks text fraud alerts, and scammers copy them. The wording of the fakes, the phone call that follows, and how to check with your bank safely.

Deliveries

• USPS "package arrived at the warehouse" texts

  A text says your USPS package can't be delivered due to an incomplete address and asks you to confirm it through a link. It's a scam.

• USPS "parcel being cleared" invalid zip code texts

  A text says your USPS parcel is held because of an invalid zip code and tells you to reply Y to activate the link. It's a scam.

Government

• "Your refund has been approved" texts from the IRS or a state

  A text says your tax refund is approved and you must submit payment details by a deadline or lose it. It's a scam. The exact wording and what to do.

Jobs

• Recruiter texts offering $50 to $500 a day for remote work

  Texts offering $250 a day for an hour of online work, often using a real company's name, lead to task scams where you pay to get paid. Examples and what to do.

Shopping

• Amazon "product recall" and refund texts

  A text says an item you bought on Amazon is being recalled and you can get a refund through a link. It's a scam. The wording and what to do.

• Apple Pay "charge" texts that tell you to call

  A text says a large Apple Pay charge will go through unless you call a number. It's a scam. The exact wording, why it works, and what to do.

Subscriptions

• Netflix "there was an issue processing your payment" texts

  A text says your Netflix payment failed and you must sign in through a link to keep your account. It's phishing. The wording and how to check safely.

Tickets and DMV

• DMV "Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin" texts

  A text says you have an outstanding traffic ticket and penalties start tomorrow. It's a scam. Here's the exact wording and what to do.

Tolls

• E-ZPass "final reminder" toll texts

  A text from "E-ZPass" says you have an outstanding toll and must pay now. It's a scam. The exact wording, how to check your account, and what to do.

• FasTrak and "FastTrack Lane" toll texts

  A text says your FasTrak or "FastTrack Lane" toll balance is overdue and threatens penalties. It's a scam. The wording and what to do.

• NC Quick Pass "outstanding toll" texts

  A text says you have an outstanding NC Quick Pass toll and must pay by a deadline. It's a scam. The exact wording and how to tell real texts apart.

• "Outstanding toll" and unpaid toll texts

  A text says you owe a small toll and will be charged a late fee unless you pay through a link. It's a scam. The exact wording and what to do.

Wrong numbers

• "Wrong number" texts from friendly strangers

  A friendly text meant for someone else can open a weeks-long scam that ends in a fake investment. Real examples, how it works, and what to do.