Scam texts: How to identify & avoid mobile smishing attempts

Our phones keep us connected to what matters most, like group chats about weekend plans or the notification that your package finally arrived. But every so often, a message slips through that is definitely not from a friend. Learning how to identify scam texts is a helpful skill to keep your personal info safe and your inbox clear of digital junk. Scammers have a whole toolkit of tactics to try and trick you into clicking a sketchy link or sharing sensitive data. In this guide, we will explore what these messages actually look like and how you can handle them like a pro.

7 ways to identify scam text messages

Scam texts, also known as “smishing,” come in many different forms. Recognizing the patterns can help you stop them in their tracks. Here are the tell-tale signs for identifying scam texts.

• Urgent language: Scammers love a good drama. They often attempt to panic you into making a quick decision using phrases like “act now!” or threatening that “your account will be closed” to push you into reacting without thinking. For example, you might receive a text claiming your bank account is frozen and requires immediate verification.
  
  Action step: Pause and review the message calmly. Authentic organizations will rarely demand immediate action through a text message. Also consider contacting the company or bank directly using a verified number to confirm if the message is legitimate

• Unknown or “spoofed” numbers: Many spam texts come from strange, long or unfamiliar sender numbers. In some cases, scammers “spoof” numbers to make them look like they are coming from a local area code or a known company.
  
  Action step: Search the sender number independently online to verify its origin. It is highly recommended to avoid replying directly to the number.

• Promises of money or prizes: A classic bait tactic involves telling users they have won a prize, are owed a refund or qualify for a special offer. If a random text says you won a gift card for a store you haven’t visited in years, it is probably not your lucky day.
  
  Action step: Ignore requests for information or payment in exchange for “rewards.” If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.

• Requests for personal or financial Information: Legitimate companies already have your info on file and they do not ask for highly sensitive data over text. If a message asks for passwords, Social Security numbers or bank account information, treat it as a major red flag.
  
  Action step: Never share sensitive personal or financial information by text message.

• Suspicious links or attachments: Smishing attempts frequently rely on you clicking a malicious link. These links often look slightly incorrect, use strange formatting or rely on URL shorteners to hide the true destination. For example, a text claiming a package is delayed might include a link to a fake tracking website.
  
  Action step: Do not click links or download attachments from unknown senders. Instead, navigate to the company’s official website directly through your browser.

• Poor spelling and grammar: Professional organizations have copywriters and editors (hey, like us) who review their communications. Scam texts often contain odd capitalization, obvious typos and phrasing that sounds like it was written by a robot having a very bad day.
  
  Action step: Look for these spelling and grammar errors and treat them as a clear warning sign that the sender is not legitimate.

• Pressure to keep it secret: Some scammers include instructions like “don’t tell anyone” or claim “this is a private matter” to prevent you from seeking a second opinion.
  
  Action step: Trust your instincts. If a message feels wrong, consult someone you trust before taking any action.

How do I avoid scam texts?

If you receive a message that matches the warning signs above, you can reduce the volume of these unwanted messages by adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry. It’s kinda like putting up a “No Soliciting” sign on your front door; while this primarily stops legitimate telemarketers rather than illegal scammers, it still helps reduce the overall noise reaching your device.

Finally, block the number that messaged you directly on your device.

How to disable scam texts on iPhone

To stop a specific number from texting your iPhone, open the conversation, tap the sender’s profile icon at the top, select “Info” and tap “Block this Caller.”

You can also enable the iPhone’s built-in Spam Filters to automatically separate messages from people not in your contacts:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. In the Settings menu, scroll down to Apps and tap on Messages.
3. Under the Message Filtering section, you should see an option labeled Filter Unknown Senders. Toggle the switch next to this option to enable the spam filter.

For more detailed information, you can check out our guide on blocking spam calls on iPhone.

How to disable scam texts on Android phones

To block a specific number on an Android device, open the conversation, tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner and select “Block/report spam.”

You can also enable Android’s Spam Protection feature to automatically identify and filter out suspected spam:

1. Locate and open the Messaging app.
2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner in the search bar.
3. Navigate to Settings and then Spam Protection.
4. Scroll down to the toggle button for Enable Spam Protection and turn it on.

If you want a more detailed explanation, we also have a guide on blocking spam calls on Android phones.

Managing your messages and privacy

Spotting signs like urgent language and strange links helps you handle unknown messages with confidence. Now that those scammers are blocked, your inbox can stay a junk-free zone for the texts that actually matter.

Taking control of your inbox leaves room for a better mobile experience. Once your messages are clear of junk, you can focus on the conversations that matter. Consider brushing up on modern texting etiquette to improve how you communicate, learning how to keep your phone safe or explore more productive ways to use your phone to build better daily habits. At Mint Mobile, we care about your privacy and your overall mobile experience. That’s why we offer premium wireless service with features like Scam Screener to help you stay more securely connected at an affordable price. If you want to learn more about how we prioritize our users, check out the link below.