The most common text message scams, according to the FTC
Last updated October 24, 2026
The FTC says people reported losing $470 million to scams that started with a text in 2024, about five times the 2020 figure. The most common were fake package delivery alerts, bogus job and task scams, fake bank fraud alerts, unpaid toll links and wrong-number openers. Do not click or reply, forward the text to 7726 and report it.
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In an April 2025 data spotlight, the Federal Trade Commission said consumers reported losing $470 million to text-message scams in 2024. That is five times higher than in 2020, even though the number of reports declined.
Five types to know
Fake package delivery alerts about a supposed problem with a delivery. Bogus job offers, including task scams that ask you to pay in. Fake fraud alerts that warn of a suspicious purchase on your bank card. Warnings about unpaid tolls with a link to pay. Wrong-number messages that start as a misdirected text and can turn into a friendly or romantic chat that leads to an investment scam.
What to do with a suspicious text
The FTC advises never clicking links or replying to unexpected texts. If you think a message might be real, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real, not the details in the text. Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM), report it in Apple Messages or Google Messages, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Check the number
You can search the sender's number in a reverse phone lookup like Ms. Number to see the line type and community reports. A clean result is not proof the text is safe, because scammers use new numbers all the time.
Questions
How much did people lose to text scams?
The FTC says $470 million in 2024, five times the 2020 amount.
What is the most common text scam?
The FTC says fake package delivery alerts were the most commonly reported type.
What is 7726?
Forward a spam text to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your wireless provider.
Should I reply STOP to a scam text?
No. Replying can confirm your number is active. Block and report instead.
Where do I report a scam text?
At ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and in your messaging app.
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