Got One of These Texts? It Might Be a Scam

If it seems like scam texts are everywhere lately, you're not alone. In fact, text-message scams have become one of the most common ways fraudsters try to steal personal and financial information. Many of these messages look legitimate at first glance, which is exactly what makes them so effective.

Here are three scams showing up in inboxes across the country right now.

"You Have an Unpaid Toll or Traffic Violation"

This is one of the fastest-growing scams. The text claims you owe money for an unpaid toll, parking fee, or traffic violation and threatens penalties if you don't pay immediately. The link leads to a fake website designed to collect your payment information.

What to do: Never pay through a link in a text message. Visit the agency's website directly or contact them using a verified phone number.

"There's a Problem With Your Package"

The message says a package cannot be delivered until you confirm your address, pay a small fee, or update delivery information. Since many people shop online regularly, these texts can seem believable.

What to do: Track shipments through the retailer or shipping company's official website, not through links sent by text.

"Fraud Alert: Suspicious Activity on Your Account"

This scam pretends to be from your bank or credit union and may ask you to click a link, verify information, or provide a security code. The goal is to gain access to your accounts.

What to do: Never share passwords, PINs, or verification codes. If you're concerned about your account, contact your financial institution directly.

The Biggest Red Flag

Most scams rely on the same tactic: urgency.

If a message pressures you to act immediately, click a link, or provide personal information, take a moment to verify it first. A few extra seconds could help protect your accounts and your personal information.

When in doubt, don't click.