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Print this for Mom: scam texts to ignore

Print this page and stick it on the fridge. If a text matches anything here, don't tap the link. Every item comes from the FTC's own list of scam texts.

Checked against official help pages on October 22, 2026.

Quick answers

How can I tell if a text is a scam?

Be careful with any text you weren't expecting that asks for personal or financial information or wants you to tap a link. The FTC says real companies won't ask for account information by text.

What do I do with a scam text?

Don't tap any links. Forward it to 7726 (SPAM), report it as junk in your messages app, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

What if the text might be real?

Contact the company yourself, using a phone number or website you know is real. Don't use anything in the text.

Don't tap the link if a text says…

☐ "You've won a prize, gift card or coupon."
☐ "We noticed suspicious activity on your account."
☐ "There's a problem with your payment information."
☐ "Here's your invoice. Call us if you didn't make this purchase."
☐ "Your package can't be delivered."
☐ "You qualify for a low or no interest credit card."
☐ "We can help you pay off your student loans."

What to do instead

Don't tap any link, and don't reply.
If you're worried it's real, call the company on a number you already know, like the one on your card.
Forward the text to 7726 (it spells SPAM). This helps your phone company block similar texts.
Report it as junk in your messages app, and at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Delete it.

Questions? Call

Write a family member's number here: ______________________

Where this comes from

We checked these official pages on October 22, 2026:

Menus can change after updates. If a step doesn't match your screen, tell us and we'll fix it.