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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

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.

Anonymous gurl
March 22, 2019
Just received a text from this #, saying "Hello baby" I move a lot & thought maybe an old friend - I replied "who is this, think you have the wrong #" No reply. What a creepy feeling. Thought maybe a fluke but seems a lot of ppl are being contacted by the same number- the personal tone of this text is creepy! Anyone get something similar?
SJSooze
April 02, 2019
I received a text from a number resembling my own number with a VERY Suspicious link attached. I did not click it. I did forward it to 7726 (Verizon Spam) But the REALLY SCARY THING - It also had my FULL-Name in the text & some bogus street address... I called the number back from a blocked line (NOT my phone) and an unsuspecting gentleman answered. I advised him that his number had been spoofed & to call his provider. So here we have TWO VICTIMS for ONE Text message. The spoofing MUST STOP!!!!
Junior Torres
September 23, 2021

In reply to by SJSooze

Someone got my Facebook account posted something on it but I didn't see what it was and when I tried to log on Facebook it didn't let me I had to do a face scan then I was locked out for 30days. people are scamming people on Facebook bad they even acted like me asking my family for money so when I blocked all my friends on Facebook that when I got locked out of my Facebook
ress
April 16, 2019
I dont know where else to put this but why am i just getting put in random group chats on my computer from people way older than me and when i try to tell them i dont know anyone that is in it it says that the group chat does not exist HELP i dont understand what is going on
Bugsy7709
May 07, 2019
I'm receiving text messages from (231) 422-4353 saying the following: Don't Tell Anyone I sent this to you. (followed by some very strange looking URL)
adnan seo
May 15, 2019
nd forward it to 7726 (SPAM) free of charge, if you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint subscriber.
Amarch
May 17, 2019
I keep getting messages, they are describing girls and they are saying very weird stuff, and are links called localsexmeet and stuff like that and it’s very annoying. I’m 12 years old they won’t leave me alone, not sure if it’s because of the person who had my number before? HOW DO I STOP IT?
Ashley8879
June 18, 2020

In reply to by Amarch

I received the same messages since 2019 to till now. The person or place was In Kansas using a Texas area code 817 791 5847 person was Jamie Flewelling known for this
Amarch
October 04, 2019
Example of texts I get: You have a new message from Olivia24 Years old Look at her account pics and talk with her https:// mskt.xyz/ join.php It’s is very weird and annoying
shorty2010
January 27, 2020

In reply to by Amarch

i keep getting these as well my fiancé freaked out on me about it I do not know what to do.
t use your e-m…
October 04, 2019
Text:Pres. Trump has requested your input on some key issues. All responses in the NEXT HOUR will be sent directly to him. Take the Issue Poll here: bit.ly /2QyEl1Q This opens to Poll from trump...
waynehouston
June 02, 2019
I got a text from a 757 area code and the only message was my old land line phone number which I haven' had for years?
Lynne76
June 12, 2019
I received a text asking me "are these pics of you?" It included a link...home.o. The "o" on the end had a vertical line through it like the Scandinavian language. The area code was 505 New Mexico.
t_king
October 04, 2019
Received 2 separate text messages from (850) area codes 1st using my name and city to say "someone had done a purchase in using your address. View it was you http:// ia6x1.fun /77yuj9". Next: "(ALERT) 'my name', your parcel will be removed if your delivery fee of $50 is not cleared in the remaining 8 days. See here http:// wj1rx.fun/ 50wrlb" How do they get this much info from us?
Socialinvite
July 05, 2019
July 5, 2019 at 7:47 pm I received at text from 971-295-3487 saying hey, it looks like we really close. Check me out anon2.co/Staph Let's meet up and chat. This is nothing but a scam so if anyone that's reading this receive this text or one like it please report it like I did,block them, hopefully something can get done about these low life scammers.
Mike Bski
July 09, 2019
Verizon carrier with an iPhone. I received a text message from (541)233-2748. I did not open the 10th but when reviewing,... it said: “This link is to claim your Premium gift by Amazon voteling.site”
Incognito meg
July 17, 2019
Received the txt and would like to know if it can be tracked to who is sending it please...have a Psycho ex harassing me and trying to hurt me
Aide77
July 19, 2019
Just got one about houses lower than 364/Mo see: Homes with details . Info what is that??
You Dont Know Me
July 27, 2019
I get calls and texts 5-10 a day! Tried everything to make it stop. Block numbers , only allow contacts to ring through, don't give out my number, on the Do Not Call List, changed my number. Nothing works! This has to stop! It is causing difficulties for me. I have even gotten them on my cars phone number. Just recently the numbers have been coming from Canada. This seems to be an issue with smart phones much more then flip phones. What more can I do?
Robert E Lee
July 27, 2019
Just received the following text-- smsmessage 3.page.link/C5NA from 15043122431 an out of state number.
another_comment
July 31, 2019
Hi all, Just got my first anonymous text. Offering me a writing job if I connected to that website link! Doesn't that sound great!? Trashed it.
Alaska
August 02, 2019
I recieved this saying, Hi! 469238 let's talk, here is my link: сомо.рф I didn't click it either I just left it alone.
AnjanaDhanvi
August 05, 2019
Thanks for this post.I need more details for Report spam texts to your carrier?
Chris from NH
August 15, 2019
Got a text from 509 661 9905 saying I can get $4500. There was a link ufn9uz.us and referenced gt83Vhe. I did not click the link, but did text back STOP. The reply back from them was that I have been removed
masterdark
August 25, 2019
So I was added into a random group chat with 20 people and the first text was “I need 79000” and also said that “this is a USA scam and someone will be visiting you personally” Please help!
SMP1981
August 27, 2019
I’ve been getting these constant text messages from someone named Yancy. It offers me money, gift cards, student loan forgiveness... BUT NONE OF IT IS LEGITIMATE. Just scammers doing what they love best... scamming innocent people.
ct
August 28, 2019
receiving random text messages from 240-325-5220, have no idea who it is. With all the spam I won't call the number. the message asks how I am, and states that my package will be delivered today by Kelli. Gives a tracking number that does not make any sense and a link to confirm the pickup time. link does not look right either. I just keep deleting, but this is very annoying.
No fool
August 29, 2019
Texted me 3 times Wanted me to send all my Facebook info to them 2nd & 3rd text warned that I would be blocked from Facebook if I didn’t
No fool
August 29, 2019
Don’t answer your phone unless you know who it is Any legitimate caller will leave a message Don’t open any text or email you don’t recognize delete delete delete
VerizonUser118
September 06, 2019
I’ve been receiving a lot of random phone calls and texts that have a link with random numbers and letters in the url. I haven’t clicked on any of them but I got one today that said “just consider this to be a blessing” it was weird. WHATEVER YOU DO DONT CLICK ON THE LINKS!!!
Alreadyavictimonce
September 09, 2019
Revived 2 text from 1–(410))100-010
Jjgibbs
September 21, 2019
Unable to forward to 7266 with verizon
DI on't use yo…
October 02, 2019
Is it true president TRUMP. Is taking away veterans. DISIBILTY. From 10 to 30%
jd84
October 04, 2019
I've been harassed for the few years by these scammers pretending to be all kinds of agents. They'd text me all kinds of random things such as claiming to be IRS, CIA, DEA, police officers, or 911. Lol. I think that they're so persistent even though they've never succeeded in getting my money. I often wonder who these people are. I know that some of them have a recognizable accent.
Tina
October 05, 2019
I just got a tiny url message that said “look what you have done” and it directed me to a drake song, so odd, and it was like a full British number
Jodesign
October 10, 2019
I received text messages from the number 313-539-8770. The first one said: We truly love you and stated my name The second text said: There you go Josie! Tell me in case you do not use this, it's single use an this is the last one! The last text said: There you go! Please tell me IF you do not use this, it only works once an this is our last one! The person never gave me a link or a picture and never explained what the where talking about. Has anyone else gotten similar texts? Could this be a scam or a Facebook friend just not identifying themselves?
leslie
October 30, 2019
I just got a group text with a picture stating for me to apply for a loan and greenlends.com what should I do?
dinarocksgroovy
November 07, 2019
+1 (586) 210-0049 Is a scam from fake survey sites that state I win a free Nintendo Switch!! The companies who are responsible for these SCAM sites are RUTHLESS!! They need to be shut down!!! The FTC needs to do more than class action law suits!! Seriously if the consequences included prison time, I think these people might think twice before scamming people !!
dinarocksgroovy
November 08, 2019
Scam # +1 (972) 325-4541 Here is another SCAM texted!! This is the real TEXT sent from “KELLY” Feeling like a winner, Jerrod? Your Nintendo Switch is still pending! The link to claim it is on its way--act fast! Don't miss this chance!! -Kelly btmxhq.us KoyWyOd the link that came after the text!!! Hey KELLY !! I hope my friend KARMA never catches up with you!! You should me ashamed of yourself!!
Kelly
November 12, 2019
What does it mean if a text comes from "910-1"? It's in response to a CraigsList posting and has an email in it, so sort of seems legit, yet fishy at the same time.
Not Buying It
November 14, 2019
I just received a text from (540) 443-6491. Says it's from Chase and that my card has been temporarily locked. Please call the aforementioned number to unlock. I don't have a Chase card, nor an account with Chase.
Lillie4
December 07, 2019
Received a text from 770-727-8300 claiming our card had been used. It said text No if you don’t recognize-my husband did then they called. They had the last 4 digits of my card and my zip code. When I said I’ll call the number on my card-the bank, they hung up. Def beware!
morningowl
December 09, 2019
text from 240-225-7256 saying my delivery cannot be processed....I have nothing on order
Don't uxxxse y…
December 19, 2019
I received a text thanking me for an awesome night
jcel
March 31, 2020
I got this message from this number .:: +1 (518) 217-0417 Thank you for subscribing to HappyFeet! A $1 fee will be charged to your account daily! Remember, Happy feet = Happy life To unsubscribe, text "STOPFEET"
puzzled
December 28, 2019
puzzled by the text from 41098 Citi Alert: $489.41 transaction with WALMART.COM BENTONVILLE AR was canceled and won't post to your acct. Reply STOP to opt out.... the crazy thing is i actually bought that but my bank didnt cancel it. how did they know i bought that and how did they have my card info and what bank i have?
Sethro81
January 05, 2020
Several times a day I get text messages from someone saying "Christopher, I got your number from your profile. Shows you live close by, let's chat" then there's a link and after it says "add me here". My name isn't Christopher, these texts are always from different numbers and area codes, I get them all hours of the night and it seems there's nothing I can do about it since they're never from the same number.
report a spam …
January 13, 2020
Just googled who the people from 313131 sent me a text message today. It's from 313131 and the message size is 413KB with an expiration day Jan 16. There's no "Forwarding" function on that message so I can't report it to 7726. But I can delete it.
lanaki123
January 13, 2020
I got a text from this number +1 (225) 269-1413 saying NC-pending check then it has a link on the bottom! I haven’t even filed my w2s yet! Ugh
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