Text message scams, often called smishing, usually claim a parcel is waiting, a bank account has a problem or you have won something. The goal is to make you tap a link or reply with personal details.
Block the sender
- Open the message in your messages app.
- Tap the three-dot menu, then Details or Block & report spam.
- Confirm. Future messages from that number are filtered.
Turn on spam protection
In most messages apps open Settings and look for Spam protection or Spam filters. When it is on, suspected spam is moved to a separate folder instead of reaching your inbox.
Report it
- Forward the text to 7726 if your carrier supports it.
- Report in the app using Report spam.
- In the US, also report at reportfraud.ftc.gov. In the UK, forward scam texts to 7726 and report scam emails to [email protected].
Red flags
- Urgent wording and threats (“your account will be closed today”).
- A link to a shortened or unfamiliar address.
- A request for a PIN, one-time code, password or card number.
- A sender you have never dealt with that knows your name.
If you already tapped a link and entered details, contact your bank straight away and change the affected password.
Related: how to change your default messages app.