Skip to main content

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.
Search Terms
personal information
scam
spam
text
Topics
Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

kimlc
January 14, 2020
Received a text this morning 62714 telling me my card.com Precious Moments prepaid card is on the way. I have never in my life ordered a prepaid card. I blocked the number, but this is unnerving. Thay want me to agree to texts (no way).
Y
January 16, 2020
How am I suppose to copy a vulgur text mmsg if the advice says "dont click on it" and when I did try to copy and send it, it says 7726 (SPAM) is an invalid recipient.
SoniaC
January 17, 2020
I keep getting text msgs, number always starts with 831-228-4414 and 831-228-4153 they always say Hi Sonia, call us back. I don't know anyone with that number and nothing I have any bills to starts with the first six numbers. I've already sent them a text the first time asking who this was and never got a response back. Wondering if I should call the number or not even bother seeing how it could be a scammer?
SoniaC
January 17, 2020
I keep getting text msgs, number always starts with 831-228-4414 and 831-228-4153 they always say Hi Sonia, call us back. I don't know anyone with that number and nothing I have any bills to starts with the first six numbers. I've already sent them a text the first time asking who this was and never got a response back. Wondering if I should call the number or not even bother seeing how it could be a scammer?
pixie573
January 28, 2020
In the last two weeks I have gotten random text messages that tell me that I have packages from amazon with a link for tracking, the problem is I don’t shop at amazon, and I have had other text about packages that are to be delivered from other places with links for tracking. The numbers are 1-323-382-5436 / 1-858-650-9309 / 1-714-721-9767 / 1-951-391-4762 and 1-323-580-9667 so keep an eye out
xJPx
March 31, 2020
Today I received a text from 877-792-6219.. Text stated "Hello.. (xxx) your account from www. friedrink. com.... with time-stamp 10:23 AM was confirmed as one of our 3 FlNALlST. You can collect it before 7pm...." I have no idea who this is. Clearly spam /hack. Be careful
Jlane1356
February 04, 2020
I got a text from 918-557-7715 that said "hi (my name), I'm really nervous, I like u!" So liiiike? Is that a spam? Bc now they aren't replying.
dislike-spam
February 14, 2020
I received a text message from an unknown number so I play a better idea type in the address website that was given in the message on a separate device and found out it's some you win through Google a prize well the way I like it is on today's cell phones you have the option to report as spam and that is exactly what I did whoever however and whyever these robots that call our phones there now texting them also I report this text message I received to the FTC the Do Not Call list and I'm getting fed up with them just like everybody else that makes these comments it is just annoying and I'm fed up
cls
February 16, 2020
Cell phone text messages from (916) 541-9022, and (858) 335-9291 were spoof alert messages claiming to be from "AMAZON REWARDS" and to click on "k9env.info/IKNBW2FC0h". Do not click on these messages! Came across my phone at 1:34 a.m. First of all, I don't have Amazon Rewards; and secondly, Amazon NEVER sends me text messages which is why I knew this was a set up!
Melina
February 19, 2020
Got a text message from 954-19. Said something along the lines of "Your verification code for Dave is (five or six numbers.) This code will expire in 10 minutes.
Don't get take…
February 21, 2020
A text from 219-402-1833 stating it's name is Jack and wanted to buy my house.....I screenshot it and sent it to my realtor. He said it might be a scammer. I have never heard of anyone wanted to buy houses by texting homeowners. Have you? The house is not for sale.
Concerned American
March 31, 2020
I just got this text. Almost got me cause I order a lot of stuff on the internet. Since they don't say who it is I deleted it and checked the FTC site. Text from +1(980) 458-9753 Bruce Confirm your delivery before midnight tonight Accept at qt47e.com/ ebk7x . iL2 Reply Stop to Stop
GorillaJoe
March 09, 2020
Several times a week I receive a text with the name Esther. Esther don't miss out on this special. Esther last chance to get it at this price. Esther please confirm your recent Amazon order Esther last chance to confirm this Amazon shipment. I probably have received at least 50 text msg, each time I delete and block #, next few days here comes another one from a different # but all from same area code 949
The Laundry Mat
March 31, 2020
I received this text today and reported to 7726 , t mobile: office @ pmaav. com / no subject / We tried to manage your last Net-flixPayment, but failed: err. onpy- WeFlUSovBx .afitis- hotel. gr PMAAV. com is an event lighting company in Rhode Island and Afitis Hotel is located in Greece, hence the “.gr” suffix on the link. I’m not able to connect the dots on who is responsible but the hotel and the company is a start.
Baxterjon2020!
March 27, 2020
They just sent me a message that I've been overpaying my cellphone bill and they want to make it up to me by giving me a new iPhone 11 I had a very strong feeling about the text they sent me was very misleading.
what’s the world
March 28, 2020
I just got a text that said “ subscribe please, that’s me :) some of your friend are in the videos haha” and then a link. I’m kinda scared
candywoman722
March 31, 2020
I want to know who is this number registered to so I can put a name225-258-2912
Kate
April 22, 2020
I just received this text from 52405. I have no deliveries outstanding. Does anyone know what this is? Hi Kate, your order was delivered on 07/04/2020 to the collection point. See where you can pick up your parcel: http:/ /i1x.u s/UI rZ6
IAMGETTINGSPAMED
April 08, 2020
So i am getting text messages from random emails and I never dared to touch it I AM SCARED!
Report
April 22, 2020
hazelherrera4658@ angelmorales4756@ Received 2 inappropriate text messages from these email addresses. I don’t use outlook so what do I do.
Nicole H
April 15, 2020
I received a text saying my payment has declined and my new iPhone will be returned. I haven’t ordered a new phone
HDH
May 21, 2020

In reply to by Nicole H

Yes. I received those messages twice. I just ignored it. I did order new iPhone but it was months ago so I was a bit confused. so I called my provider. They said it's a scam.
410100021
April 20, 2020
Just got a text from this number saying it’s pnc bank. Do not click on link! Scam!!
ineedhelp
May 14, 2020
someone texted me from an outlook account by the name susie warren, asking me if they can come see me. I texted back asking who they were and didn't get a reply. I think got a link from another outlook account with random letters sending me a link with random numbers. I need help, i'm scared.
Email text mes…
December 25, 2020

In reply to by ineedhelp

Omgggg me tooo! I have been stalked so this is creepy for me. Also the emails have my children’s names on them but my oldest is 5!! How would they even know her name!?
dmobrien
May 19, 2020
386-601-8217. "I'm in a meeting right now and can't talk. Let me know if you got this text". Then proceeds to say they can't use the phone but need money transferred right away.
HDH
May 21, 2020
Its been twice I received these text messages. It started with your First & Last Name. This is our final attempt to get a signature on paperwork that needs to be submitted to your local jurisdiction. You need to contact us immediately or you will no longer be able to resolve this matter voluntarily with our office. Contact us as soon as possible at 833-460-0966 file number: 251016. Anyone ever received this type of text message?
TJF96
May 26, 2020
657-315-0558 texted at 4 am saying 5000usd reward |2508.info/my name ,how stupid do people think other people are,of course I'm not clicking that link
CaliKitten92
June 03, 2020
I keep getting text messages from email addresses. and they don't make any sense. one was kinda threatening. and the other one was jibberish. I block them as soon as I get them but still creepy. My wife did some research and they are from russia
MaVi
June 09, 2020
I keep receiving texts like this: Only 2 days left to qualify for the $1500 guarantee. This is your final reminder. Don't miss out on this great money making opportunity! Visit drd.sh/ GEx7N a and log in to complete your final steps!
Annoyed
June 26, 2020
Got a text from 315-504-2790 for interest on account that I do not have.
ET
June 28, 2020
Got a text message saying hey beautiful this is for you with a link to click on.
Schethom
July 11, 2020
I keep getting messages from a FEDex scam. All of them have told me I either missed the courier, or my delivery was unsuccessful (although Ive been home) and I need to reschedule my delivery. I keep blocking the number but im assuming they're using different numbers each time because the messages keep coming.
Rt98
July 14, 2020
So i just got a text not too long ago from the number 74843 that said: ALERT:Important message to view visit ibddendeonline, i didnt click the link because i knew it was sus, but accidentally searched it when trying to find out what it was, should i be worried? FYI, immediately blocked the number and deleted the message.
Bebe
July 15, 2020
Keep getting text messages from ‭+1 (760) 207-2426‬
Idk
July 15, 2020
I had a text from some random number saying your email went along with your onboarding link if any issues contact ur recruiter then I texted it again and it said I unsubscribed type re subscribe if it was a mistake I unsubbed from a free gamestop thing and wonder what that text is about
BonnieB
August 02, 2020
I forwarded my spam text to “SPAM” but they did not respond so that I could enter the number.
Concernpeep
August 03, 2020
‭+1 (267) 367-6456‬ Scam. By text message.
Angie Angie An…
August 14, 2020
Unfortunately I have answered to a text that said I won a free gift card. They have my email address unfortunately. Thanks so much for the update. Very much needed information.
Bob
August 18, 2020
reporting scam link text: # 855 920 3154 attempting to get me to view a project via a link.
Not Jim
August 23, 2020
I got a text from someone from my area code at 3am but they don’t speak in any clear words without numbers added, and said they are leaving for Arizona. It’s weird because the number is linked to a McDonald’s store but I’m getting texts from it.
JS
August 26, 2020
I just received a text that says: Urgent-Cash-Notice You have 1 pending C@ SH APP request... I dont use cash app or any similar app. I didn't open the message. What should I do?
Kat04
August 28, 2020
I got a text again, this time from a different spoofed number, saying they have a package and for me to click on a link imbedded in the text. 917-853-5862 I5ssv.info/QTuVNYzLw5 They used my first name. I blocked it, I am getting more and more calls each day from unknown numbers, too. I do not answer them and there is no message.
scam text
September 03, 2020
Received a text from 657-436-3441 with my name listed and claiming USPS shipment with a tracking number and a link to see the info. Big red flag! Do not click.
Mommabear
September 27, 2020
+1 (332) 214-1085 received this text today from this number Viren, urgent notice regarding the USPS shipment 6H67F1 from 03/26/2020. Proceed to st5v.info/dMCvzRqKui I’m not expecting a package from 3/26/2020
Billybob
October 01, 2020
I recently received a text message from 1-320-325-3226 claiming that their sending me $871.65 USD if I respond back to this text or number
Sick of spam
November 19, 2020
I received this text yesterday Hi, would you allow BUDLIGHT DRINK to put a small sticker on your CAR,TRUCK, OR MOTORCYCLE? Get $500 Driving with our brand advertisement. Click here to apply: budlight drinkadvert . I have pretty good internet security protection so I typed the link into my computer (no I didn’t click on the link from my phone) and was able to clearly see that it was an old scam but I have never seen this type of approach. It’s the we will send you a check for you to cash and get a money order to pay the “shipper” or in this case vehicle wrapper scam. I received a in a group text the other 10 numbers it was sent to were all literally 1 number off of mine in sequential order. So if you get a text from (805) 868-6810 just delete it’s DEFINITELY not a legitimate opportunity to earn some extra holiday money (at least legally that is)
B_Dog99
November 11, 2020
nice i never did btw
Trout
November 16, 2020
Got this text message from this number. It says the following. Important: Amazon apologies! Our gift is a iPhone 12 pro. Leave details so we can ship it to you right away: vsdav.info/QMFYEKEaOM6 DON'T click on this. Just posting exactly what was in the text.
Return to top