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Here’s a tip that’s worth repeating:

Don’t click on a link in a text message you get on your phone that says you’ve won a terrific prize or a gift card. Don’t reply either. It’s probably a scam.

The Federal Trade Commission settled charges with a group of marketers that were part of a scheme that sent millions of unsolicited spam text messages promoting supposedly free merchandise like $1,000 gift cards for Wal-Mart and Best Buy.

People who clicked the links in the messages didn’t get the promised prizes. Instead, they were taken to websites that asked them to give personal information and sign up for multiple offers, often involving purchases or paid subscriptions.

What can you do about unwanted text messages?

  • Delete unwanted text messages that ask you to enter a special code, or to confirm or provide personal information. Legitimate companies won’t send you a text asking for sensitive information.
  • Don’t click on links in the text message. Links can take you to spoof sites that look real but will steal your personal information.
  • Report spam texts to your carrier. Copy the original message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM) free of charge, if you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint subscriber.
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Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
Sick of scammers
March 10, 2019

In reply to by ohdang123

Text from Chicago IL 8726397153 number asking “is this really you in these pictures” with a link... not dumb enough to fall for that buddy... go get your own life and stop trying to take from those who work legitimately and honestly for our livelihoods..
lalalalala
June 04, 2015
I have been receiving random texts also.. I just got one that had suggested something sexual and it said to leave them a message to a bit.ly site that I know is a download link. I had recieved one yesterday from a different email and a different message but suggesting the same thing and with the same link. I know not to click on it but how do I stop these from happening?
FTC Staff
June 04, 2015

In reply to by lalalalala

When internet fraudsters impersonate a business to trick you into giving out your personal information, it’s called phishing. Don't reply to email, text, or pop-up messages that ask for your personal or financial information. Don’t click on links within them either. 

You can file a complaint about the messages with the ftc at ftc.gov/complaint.

If you get repeated calls from the same number, you could ask your phone provider if it charges for a service that blocks calls from a particular number.

im very worried..
September 02, 2015
i clicked a youtube link for free gift cards and i entered credit card number. 2 days later 500 bucks missing from account. i cant let anyone know i need help...
vicnails
November 02, 2015

In reply to by im very worried..

I hope it all worked out. Never give any account info unless you initiate a purchase. Don't click links. It's just not worth it.
report it
March 30, 2018

In reply to by im very worried..

I hope you did get help! Whatever trouble you think you are in will pale in comparison to having your identity stolen.
Alligator
August 03, 2015
Im getting texts from people saying they have tagged me (im assuming facebook) but i dont facebook??? Why do they send these....different number each time....
test dummy
August 22, 2015
i got a text and when i checked the number it came from i found out it was a real phone number, but the phone was out of service. how is that possible? really need to figure this out. it was to buy or join anything but lots more personal. help
Aliensearcher
September 01, 2015
7726 is not working on T-Mobile
Jen
September 02, 2015
I got an SMS from a sender with an email address instead of a phone number... press and hold to get to the options of what to do with the message, and there isn't an option to forward to SPAM thing with T-Mobile. HELP!
emme
September 15, 2015
I emailed someone a few weeks ago. I have received texts messages containing personal information from the private email. These are random texts from bit ly. Who are they coming from? How did they get my phone number? (the person that I sent the email doesn't have my phone number?)
Jessica
October 07, 2015

In reply to by emme

ive been getting messages like that too. All I know is you shouldn't answer it. One asked if i was a famous actor. Another discussed me getting drunk when i know i never had alcohol since im underaged.
bowerssaff
November 27, 2015
thanks u very muc
flute
November 29, 2015
I got a text with my full name and address and a URL. I did not click and reported it to 7726. Creepy!
MagicMom
December 01, 2015

In reply to by flute

I got that same text today. Creeped me out and I reported it also. From the phone number 330-944-2946.
Whatthefork
December 02, 2015

In reply to by flute

I just received one like that as well!! Very scary!
dragonfly
December 02, 2015

In reply to by flute

I received that same text today. It is very creepy. How do you report it to the 7726 system?
Trj
December 13, 2015

In reply to by flute

I just received the same type of message with my full name & address and a link. very worried that I got this. Did not click the link.
Trizz
December 19, 2015

In reply to by flute

Yesterday I received 2 texts a minute apart from different numbers with my name address and a link. Reporting them both.
alicia1lily
December 01, 2015
+1 (470) 819-5044- this number sent me a text that had my name and street address followed by a link. I have never seen this. What is it and how do they know my name and address?
Pip
December 03, 2015

In reply to by alicia1lily

I just got the same thing from (734)333-7241 My street address - my full name -

ScammersSuck
December 07, 2015

In reply to by alicia1lily

I got the same thing, my name and address followed by a link. I think we all clicked a bad Facebook post and are being fished. Right before Christmas too. Awesome.
hello there
December 09, 2015

In reply to by alicia1lily

The same thing happened to me today! I received a text with my first and last name and my complete address + a link.
Dmw
January 31, 2016

In reply to by alicia1lily

I just received the same thing but with the words you better take care of and my address and full name. So weird. Kinda scary.
frme
February 25, 2016

In reply to by Dmw

I received a note that had my first and last name and then the words "how are things at" and then my address. no other link to go to….
hawkesss
August 26, 2016

In reply to by frme

Me too! If you reply then they send you a link but don't click on it
dragonfly
December 02, 2015
The number I received the text from is 267-930-5126 and it contained my full name and address as well, along with a website. This is very scary. I have never had anything like this happen before.
PurpleGirl
December 09, 2015

In reply to by dragonfly

I've had the same thing to happen. What should we do?
Thatgirl
February 10, 2017

In reply to by dragonfly

I did click on the link and it took me to a thing that wanted me to sign up for stuff.
allieappplesauce
December 07, 2015
Yup, just receieved a message from 360-889-8691 and it had my first and last name, address, and a link. It was my married last name which wasn't officially changed and so mostly everything except like health care is still in my maiden name....the website address listed was http: i wouldn't click on a link if there was one, but with old school flip phone, don't have the option!
steve
December 07, 2015
I have tried using 7726 today (as I have done may times) and it doesn't seem to work anymore.. no response
cc332
December 15, 2015
Just got that same creepy message and link but from +1 (754) 220-5848. Had my shortened first name, last name and address with a link. I reported it to Verizon but very weird
mary2004
December 17, 2015
I have been getting similar messages with my first name and address and a link. I have received three messages from three different numbers. I have US Cellular. Is there a way to stop this from happening?
ctressler
December 18, 2015

In reply to by mary2004

What can you do about unwanted text messages?

  • Delete unwanted text messages that ask you to enter a special code, or to confirm or provide personal information. Legitimate companies won’t send you a text asking for sensitive information.
  • Don’t click on links in the text message. Links can take you to spoof sites that look real but will steal your personal information.
  • Report spam texts to your carrier. Copy the original message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM) free of charge, if you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint subscriber.
Moon7
December 31, 2015
I've recently been getting phone calls from other cities in Canada claiming that I'm a prostitue in the New west area. I find this disturbing. First they call, and then they start texting you asking how much? Or that they're in town looking for a whale escort.... Ive gotten two from Alberta, one from Ontario and a few local numbers. I hate they do this at odd hours. Now I've got unknown and random numbers calling leaving messages that I'm this Ben person and they're waiting for me to submit the documents? I'm pretty sure this is spam but it's really annoying. I just want my phone to stop buzzing. Just wondering if others are getting harassing messages like those...
A15sauce
January 05, 2016
I too just got a text from 2017302689 with only my name addy and a link. I reported it as spam, but wish there was more info around about whatever this is right now. So far this has been the most helpful site with assurance I wasn't the only one.
Vision
January 06, 2016
I just got the same type of text with my full name, area code, and a URL link in the middle of the night! So creepy! Reported it.
Slaptcabbage
January 16, 2016
I'm suspicious that this happened because I changed my address online with USPS. After I completed my forwarding address form I was directed to ads, coupons, and offers to get paid for doing surveys.right after I filled these things out my email account was bombarded with offers. Has someone hacked the postal services server?
cc663
January 25, 2016
I got this message this morning from a 205 area code. I have no idea what this is, any ideas? "Your friend has asked you a question on Kiwi! Go to www.kiwi. to find out what she asked"
dlsa
February 10, 2016
Hi, I just got a random text saying "You still got it" and a link after that. I didn't click the link, but I did reapond to the text. Should I be worried? Is there something I need to do?
FTC Staff
February 11, 2016

In reply to by dlsa

If you respond to one text, you might get more.

If you do, don’t click on links in the text message. Links can take you to spoof sites that look real but will steal your personal information.

Report spam texts to your carrier. Copy the original message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM) free of charge, if you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint subscriber.

classysassy
March 14, 2016

got a text at 4:17am from 470-719-0017, my full name, address then it said finish, with a link to click, i did not click it, i deleted it..have no clue what or who but after reading here, i am glad i didn't click it..

Stutchbury
February 10, 2017

In reply to by classysassy

What's up to every single one, it's really a pleasant for me tto pay a quick visit this website, it contains valuable Information.
ellendoc87
March 14, 2016
Just received pornographic images from 347-730-7736. I read the above advice and reported them to Verizon, and also blocked them. This was incredibly shocking to receive via text while at work. Is there anything else I can do to make sure this person is caught?
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