Spotting Scam Text Messages
On this page, you’ll learn how to recognise scam text messages, which are also known as “smishing.” These fake messages are designed to look like they come from trusted sources - like your bank, a delivery company, or even the government. Scammers use these messages to try and trick you into clicking on dangerous links or giving away personal information, such as passwords or bank details.
We’ll explain the most common types of fake texts, including delivery scams, payment notifications, and urgent account warnings. You’ll also learn about the warning signs to look out for, like unexpected links, poor grammar, or requests for personal information. Understanding these signs will help you spot a scam before it’s too late.
By the end of this page, you’ll know exactly what to do if you receive a suspicious message, how to report it safely, and how to protect yourself from future scams.
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What Are The Most Common fake texts?
Typically, the most common fake texts are as follows:
- Delivery or Parcel Scams - Claiming you missed a delivery and need to pay a small fee or click a link.
- Bank or Payment Alerts - Saying there's suspicious activity on your account and urging you to act quickly.
- Tax or Government Messages - Pretending to be from HMRC, offering refunds or demanding payment.
- Account Suspension Warnings - Telling you your account (e.g., PayPal, Netflix) will be blocked unless you log in via their link.
How To Spot a Fake Text Message
Scam texts often look urgent or official, but there are clear warning signs. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Unexpected or Unusual Senders - Messages from numbers you don’t recognise, or strange short codes.
- Spelling or Grammar Errors - Scam messages often contain mistakes that real companies wouldn’t make.
- Suspicious Links - Links that don’t look like official websites - especially if shortened.
- Urgent or Threatening Language - Phrases like “act now,” “your account will be locked,” or “final warning.”
What To Do If You Receive a Fake Text Message
If you get a suspicious text message, don’t panic. Just follow these simple steps to protect yourself:
- Don’t click any links - Even if it looks official — links in scam texts often lead to fake websites or malware.
- Don’t reply to the message - Replying confirms your number is active, which may lead to more scams.
- Report and delete the text - Forward the message to 7726 (free spam reporting in the UK), then delete it from your phone.
If you do unfortunately fall victim to being scammed, please view our "I've been scammed" page by clicking here.