7 Ways to Identify Fake Text Messages with Examples (2023)

Ever get tired of receiving fake text messages, also known as spam texts? Well, so are we.

Spam or fake text messages are essentially unwanted or involuntary digital communication sent in bulk to multiple contacts from an unknown sender. They aim to gain your trust through innocent conversations, then steal your personal information by tricking the victim. Then, they will use that information to gain access to the victim’s financial accounts and vanish after getting what they want.

Timeline of Spam Text Message

1. In 2000’s, the increased adoption of mobile phones led to the emergence of spam texts.
2. In 2003, the CAN-SPAM (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing) Act was passed, where regulations were put in place against spam emails but not necessarily spam texts.
3. In 2004, the first major spam text incident happened in India, which revolved around cheap real estate offers and investment opportunities.
4. In 2005, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforced regulations of TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) towards text messages. This prevented the act of sending spam or fake text messages without the receiver’s prior consent.
5. In 2013, 70% of spam messages were sent from India, which led the TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) to take action.
6. From 2016 – 2018, the rise of smartphones & mobile applications, spam spread through app notifications and messages, which was different from the traditional spam text messages.
7. In 2020 – 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in scams using spam text messages related to the virus, health information, and financial relief efforts.

It’s no secret that we all rely on text messaging to communicate with our friends, family, and even businesses. However, with the rise of digital scams, it’s becoming increasingly important to be able to spot fake text messages and protect yourself from text message scams. To help you identify fake text messages, we’ve put together a list of 6 ways to spot a fake text message and protect your personal information. With these tips, you can stay one step ahead of text message scammers and keep your information secure.

How Do Fake Text Messages Target People?

Text scams can be incredibly sneaky and dangerous, as scammers will do whatever it takes to trick you into giving away your personal information or login credentials. These scams often involve impersonating trusted organizations such as banks, and asking you to click on a link or provide your “deets.” To protect yourself from these scams, check out our blog post on “How to Secure Your Money From Zelle Scams”.

Another tactic scammers use is known as smishing – which is essentially phishing through text messages. In these scams, the scammer sends you a link or attachment that can install malware on your phone, giving them access to your personal information. They may also try to impersonate a friend or family member in trouble, asking for money or sensitive information. It’s important to be vigilant and cautious when it comes to text scams, and to never give out your personal information to anyone you don’t trust.

Still Doubting? Here’s How to Respond

If you receive a text message that appears to be suspicious or potentially fraudulent, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself. The first step is to avoid clicking on any links or attachments in the message, as these could install malware on your device. Instead, focus on verifying the authenticity of the message. You can do this by directly contacting the organization using a trusted phone number or website.

For instance, call the customer service number located on the back of your card or visit the official website to check whether the message is legitimate. Additionally, you can perform an online search to see if others have reported the message as a scam. If you remain unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and delete the message immediately.

The Message Promises Freebies

It can be tempting to respond to text messages that promise freebies or prizes, but it’s always important to be cautious, especially if the message seems too good to be true. These types of messages are often used in phishing scams, where scammers try to lure you into clicking on a link or providing your personal information in exchange for the supposed freebies.

If you receive a message like this, it’s important to verify the legitimacy of the offer before responding. You can do this by checking the official website of the company or organization offering the freebies, or by contacting them directly to confirm the offer.

Additionally, be wary of any message that asks for your personal information, such as your name, address, phone number, or credit card details. If you’re unsure about the message, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and delete it.

Look for Spelling or Grammatical Errors

Looking for spelling and grammatical errors can be a key pillar in identifying fake texts because scammers often use language that is unprofessional or poorly written. This is because many of these scams are carried out by individuals or groups with limited resources, who may not have access to professional copywriters or translators.

As a result, their messages may contain obvious errors or typos, which can be a red flag for the recipient. Additionally, scammers may use machine translation or automated text generators to create their messages, which can result in awkward or stilted language. By looking for spelling and grammatical errors, you can spot these fake texts and avoid falling prey to their scams.

It’s important to note that some scammers may be more sophisticated in their approach and may use language that is more polished, so it’s important to consider this factor alongside other indicators of a potential scam.

How To Identify Fake Text Messages Step-by-Step

To spot a fake text message, here’s what you can do:

1. Check who it’s from: Look at the name or phone number of the sender. If it’s someone you don’t recognize or a weird name, it could be a fake text.
2. Watch for spelling and grammar mistakes: Scammers might use language that looks unprofessional, with typos or awkward phrasing. That’s a clue it could be fake.
3. Be wary of urgent or threatening messages: Scammers might try to scare you into acting quickly, or threaten you if you don’t do what they say. Don’t fall for it!
4. Verify the offer: If the message offers you something, like a freebie or discount, double-check the company’s official website to make sure it’s legit. Don’t give out your personal info in exchange!
5. Don’t click on any links or attachments: That could lead to malware or a fake website. Just delete the message if you’re not sure.
6. Contact the company directly: If you’re not sure whether the text is legit, reach out to the company using a trusted phone number or website. They’ll be able to confirm whether it’s real or fake.

10 Fake Spam Text Examples

With the rise of digital communication, it’s becoming increasingly common to receive spam and scam text messages on our phones. These messages can be annoying, misleading, and even dangerous if they’re trying to trick us into providing personal information or clicking on a malicious link. It’s important to be aware of the common types of scam and spam text messages that are out there so that we can protect ourselves and our devices from harm.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common examples of scam and spam text messages you might encounter.

Here are 10 examples of scam and spam text messages to be aware of:

1. “Congratulations! You’ve won a free prize! Click this link to claim it now!”
2. “Your account has been suspended. Please click this link to reactivate it.”
3. “You’ve been selected to participate in a survey. Complete it and you’ll receive a gift card!”
4. “Your package is being held at the post office. Click this link to schedule a delivery.”
5. “Your account has been compromised. Please call this number immediately to resolve the issue.”
6. “Your bank account has been locked. Click this link to unlock it.”
7. “You’ve been randomly selected to win a free vacation! Click this link to claim your prize!”
8. “Congratulations! You’ve been approved for a loan. Click this link to apply now!”
9. “You’ve been charged a fee for a service you didn’t request. Click this link to dispute the charge.”
10. “Your account has been hacked. Please change your password by clicking this link.”

These messages are designed to lure you into clicking on a link or providing personal information, which can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or malware on your device. If you receive a message like this, be cautious and double-check the legitimacy of the message before taking any action.

3 Ways to Handle Fake Text Message

Fake text messages can be a real nuisance, and can even be a threat to our personal and financial security. Whether it’s a phishing scam or a message promising fake freebies, it’s important to know how to handle these types of unwanted text messages when they come your way. So, in this post, we’ll take a look at three effective ways to handle a fake text message. By following these tips, you can avoid falling victim to scams and protect your personal information and devices.

1. DON’T click on any links or attachments: This is perhaps the most important step in dealing with a fake text message. Clicking on a link or attachment can lead to malware being installed on your device or redirect you to a fake website designed to steal your information.
2. REPORT the message: Many phone carriers and mobile apps offer the option to report spam or fake text messages. By reporting the message, you’re helping to prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
3. BLOCK the sender: If you receive multiple fake messages from the same sender, it may be time to block their number. This can help prevent any future messages from getting through and can help protect you from further scams.

Suspicious Links

Suspicious links are a common tactic used in spam and fake text messages. These links might look harmless at first glance, but they can lead you to fake websites or install malware on your device. One way to spot a suspicious link is to look at the URL before clicking on it. If the URL looks weird or doesn’t match the website you were expecting, it’s best to avoid it. Additionally, be wary of links that use shortened URLs, as these can hide the true destination of the link. If you’re unsure about a link, you can also try copying and pasting it into a search engine to see if others have reported it as a scam.

It’s important to always err on the side of caution when it comes to suspicious links. Don’t click on anything that looks fishy or unexpected, and always verify the authenticity of the link before taking any action. This can help protect your device from malware and prevent you from falling victim to online scams.

Message from the Bank or Other Financial Institution

If you receive a message from a bank or other financial institution, it’s important to be cautious and vigilant. Scammers often use these types of messages to trick people into revealing their personal and financial information, so it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself. One way to do this is to never click on any links or provide sensitive information in response to a text message. Instead, always verify the authenticity of the message by contacting the financial institution directly using a trusted phone number or website. For example, if you receive a message from your bank, call the customer service number on the back of your card or visit the official website to check if the message is legitimate.

Be wary of any message that asks for your personal information, such as your name, address, phone number, or credit card details. Remember, your bank or financial institution will never ask you to provide sensitive account information via text message or email. If you’re unsure about the message, it’s better to be safe than sorry and delete the message without responding.

Love Fake Text Message

An unknown number will send a fake text message with the same area code as you. The conversation may start off friendly, but it’s always important to learn how they got your personal information, such as your name, phone number, home address, email address, social security number, or even know that you are using dating apps.

Here is an example to learn from:

A victim receives a text message asking “Are you Josh?”. Then, the sender continues the conversation by stating that he or she was matched with the victim through a dating app, such as Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble. The crazy part is that “Josh” has never been on any dating apps, so he already knew this text was either a scam or sent to the wrong recipient. Additionally, his name was not “Josh” to begin with. Therefore, “Josh” decided not to engage with the scammer any further.

However, the scammer continued to text “Josh”. The victim concluded that the scammer was attempting to build trust and take advantage by tricking the victim into sending the scammer money. These scammers are gathering your personal and sensitive information through data broker lists or the dark web.

Unidentified Mobile Numbers

Getting text messages from random phone numbers can be super sketchy and even dangerous. These messages could be from scammers trying to pull a fast one on you and get you to give up your personal info or click on a bad link. One way to handle these messages is to just delete them without responding. If it’s a real message, the person will probably call you or email you. Another thing you can try is using a reverse phone lookup service to figure out who the sender is. But be careful not to fall for any scams that want you to pay a fee or give up your own info to get the info you want.

If you do respond to the message, be super careful about what you send money and you say and don’t give away any sensitive stuff. Always double-check to make sure the message is legit before you do anything.

Urgent Message Tone Requesting Immediate Action

If a text message comes at you with an urgent or bossy tone, it’s important to be skeptical and take a step back before you react. Scammers love to use scary language and make you feel like you have to act right away, but that’s just a trick to catch you off guard. They might threaten to suspend your account or charge you a fee if you don’t respond immediately. So, before you do anything, take a breath and think it through.

Double-check the message and verify its authenticity by contacting the organization directly using a trusted phone number or website. Don’t just blindly click on any links or provide any personal info. Always be careful with these types of messages and stay on guard.

Did You Click on a Text Scam Link? Do This Right Away!

We’ve all been there: a text message pops up promising something too good to be true, and before we know it, we’ve clicked on a malicious link. Text scams are a growing problem, and they can happen to anyone.

If you’ve clicked on a text scam link, don’t panic! There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and your device.

1. Disconnect from the internet: If you suspect that the link may have installed malware on your device, disconnect from the internet immediately. This can prevent the malware from communicating with the attacker’s server and causing further damage.
2. Scan your device: Use an antivirus or anti-malware program to scan your device for any malicious software. This can help identify and remove any malware that may have been installed.
3. Change your passwords: If you entered any passwords on the fake website, change them immediately. Also, make sure to update your passwords for any other accounts that use the same password.
4. Report the message: Report the scam message to your mobile carrier or to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
5. Be vigilant: Keep an eye out for any unusual activity on your device or accounts, such as unexpected charges or unauthorized access. If you notice anything suspicious, take action right away to protect yourself.

COVID-19 Vaccine Survey Scam Text

​​COVID-19 vaccine surveys and other scam texts are the latest tactic used by scammers to trick you into giving up your personal information. These messages might promise cash rewards, free vacations, or even a chance to get vaccinated ahead of schedule. But don’t be fooled! These texts are designed to get you to click on a link or provide personal information, which can put you at risk of identity theft or financial loss. One way to spot these scams is to look for spelling or grammatical errors in the message, as scammers often use automated systems to send these messages and they may contain mistakes.

Be cautious of any message that asks for personal information, such as your name, address, phone number, or credit card details. Always verify the authenticity of the message before taking any action. If in doubt, report the message to your mobile carrier or to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.

Block the Number

If you keep getting scam texts from the same number, it’s time to block them like the annoying pest they are. Blocking the number will stop any future messages from coming through, which can help protect you from more scams. Most phones and carriers have an easy way to block numbers.

For example, on an iPhone, you can just tap on the scammer’s contact info in the message thread, scroll down to “Block this Caller,” and confirm. On an Android, you can open the message app, select the scammer’s thread, tap the three dots in the corner, select “Block number,” and confirm.

Remember, blocking the number is just one step in protecting yourself from scam texts. Be careful and smart, and don’t fall for any text messaging scams, suspicious links or requests for personal info.

Fake Text Block Message

If you receive “Message Not Delivered” notification, then there’s a chance the recipient has blocked the sender’s phone number. Here are 10 ways to to check if someone blocked your number. You can try to give the recipient a phone call, but if the call goes straight to voicemail or rings once and goes to voicemail, then there’s a great chance the sender has been blocked.

You can try to call the recipient once more time using *67 before you enter the recipient’s phone number. If it rings regularly, then it may be clear that the sender’s phone number was indeed blocked.

Refund and Overpayment Scam Texts

Refund and overpayment scam texts are a common tactic used by scammers to steal money from unsuspecting victims. These messages might offer a fake refund or overpayment, claiming that you have been overcharged and are entitled to a refund or that you have received an overpayment and need to return some of the money. These scams can take many forms, such as fake government refund schemes, phony insurance refunds, or even fake charity donations.

To protect yourself from these scams, be wary of any message that asks for personal information or directs you to a website or phone number. Always double-check the authenticity of the message before responding or taking any action. Be cautious of any message that offers a refund or overpayment without any explanation or context. Remember, scammers are always trying to find new ways to con people out of their money, so it’s important to be on your guard and stay informed.

How To Report a Text Message Scam

If you’ve received a text message scam, it’s important to report it to the relevant authorities to help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam. Here’s how to report a text message scam:

1. Take screenshots: Take screenshots of the scam message to use as evidence when you report it.
2. Report to your mobile carrier: Contact your mobile carrier and report the scam message to them. They may have a fraud department that can investigate the message and take appropriate action.
3. Report to the FTC: You can also report the fake text messages to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by visiting their website or calling their toll-free number.
4. Report to other relevant authorities: If the scam message is related to a specific product or service, such as a bank or insurance company, you can also report it to the relevant authority. For example, if it’s a banking scam, you can report it to the bank’s fraud department.

By reporting the text message scam, you can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.

Forward the Spam Text Message to 7726

If you get spam or fake text messages, one way to report it is by forwarding the message to 7726. That spells “SPAM” on most phones. Your mobile carrier will be alerted to the spam message and can investigate it. But, keep in mind that this won’t automatically block the sender or prevent future spam messages. It’s just a way to help prevent others from getting scammed.

Always report spam texts, be careful with sketchy messages and never give out your personal info to random senders. Reporting spam text messages can help keep your phone and your deets safe from scammers.

How Do Scammers Have My Personal Information?

Scammers can get their hands on your personal information in a few different ways. One way is through data breaches where your info is stolen from companies that hold onto it. Another way is through phishing scams where they trick you into giving up your deets like your name, address, SSN, or credit card details. Scammers can also pretend to be a legit company or gov agency to trick you into giving them your info. Plus, they can buy and sell your personal info on the dark web, which is like the black market of the internet.

To protect yourself from these shady folks, always be careful with messages that ask for personal info and keep an eye on your accounts for any weird activity.

How To Make Fake Text Messages

If someone tries to act like they received a message from a legitimate source with a screenshot, then verify that number by calling. It’s very easy to generate fake text messages. Here’s a video on how. If you want to read more up on it, here’s an article.