ShooFlyCommon Scam Texts
Got a text that feels off? Find it below: what it looks like, how to tell it's fake, how to check for real, and what to do if you already tapped the link.
USPS “Package Held” Text ScamA text says USPS is holding your package until you update your address. It's a scam: the link leads to a fake page that takes your card number for a “redelivery fee”.Unpaid Toll Text ScamA text says you owe a small toll and will be charged a late fee unless you pay today. It's one of the most common scam texts: the link is a fake toll site that steals your card details.“Bank Account Locked” Text ScamA text says unusual activity locked your bank account and you must verify your identity. It's a scam that copies your bank login on a fake page.Walmart Gift Card Text ScamA text says you've been selected for a $500 Walmart gift card. There's no prize: the link leads to “surveys” and “shipping fees” that take your card number and personal details.Netflix “Payment Declined” Text ScamA text says your Netflix payment failed and your account will be suspended today. It's a fake billing page that takes your card and login.Amazon “Suspicious Order” Text ScamA text says an expensive order, often an iPhone, was placed on your Amazon account and to tap to cancel. There's no order: it's a fake page or a fake support line.IRS Tax Refund Text ScamA text says the IRS owes you a refund and to claim it before it expires. The IRS never texts about refunds: the link collects your Social Security number and bank details.Apple Account Locked Text ScamA text says your Apple Account is locked for security reasons and to verify within 24 hours. It's a fake Apple sign-in page that steals your Apple Account password.Power Shut-Off Text ScamA text says your electricity will be cut off today unless you pay an overdue balance. Utilities don't work that way: it's a scam to take a fast payment.Zelle “Payment on Hold” ScamA text says a Zelle payment to you is on hold until you verify your account. Zelle payments aren't held like that: it's after your bank login, or to get you to send money back.DMV License Suspension Text ScamA text says your driver's license will be suspended over an unpaid fine unless you pay within 48 hours. DMVs send notices by mail: it's a fake payment page.New Medicare Card ScamA text or call says your new Medicare card is ready but you must confirm your details first. Medicare mails cards: this is after your Medicare and Social Security numbers.Text Message Job Offer ScamA text offers a remote job paying $300 a day for a few hours of easy work. These “jobs” end with you paying a fee, or moving stolen money for the scammers.PayPal Invoice Scam (Norton, Geek Squad)A message says you've been charged hundreds of dollars for Norton, McAfee or Geek Squad and to call or tap to dispute it. There's no charge: the “support line” wants remote access to your computer or your bank login.Missed Jury Duty ScamA text or call says there's a warrant for your arrest for missing jury duty unless you pay a fine today. Courts don't do this: it's a scare to make you pay fast, often by gift card or wire.Costco Survey Reward ScamA text says to complete a 30-second Costco survey for a $100 reward. The “reward” asks you to pay shipping, which is how they take your card number.Student Loan Forgiveness Text ScamA text says you qualify for student loan forgiveness but the application expires today. Real programs are free and never first-come by text: it's after a fee and your FSA ID.FedEx Redelivery Fee Text ScamA text says FedEx couldn't deliver your parcel and asks for a small redelivery fee. Carriers don't charge like this: the tiny fee is how they get your card number.
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