Fraud Cleanup

How to Report a Scam Text the Right Way

A suspicious text just landed. Here is where to send it, which agency handles which kind, and what to do if you already tapped the link.

A text just landed from a number you do not know. It says a package is waiting, or a bank account is frozen, or a payment went through twice. The FTC says a text message from an unknown sender could be a scammer trying to steal your personal and financial information. This guide walks you through where to send it.

What counts as a scam text

The FBI calls these smishing scams, and says they happen through text messages. The Postal Inspection Service says smishing is a form of phishing that uses a text message or phone number. The scammers often pretend to be a government agency, bank, or company. That makes them seem real.

The goal is your details. The Postal Inspection Service says scammers want usernames, passwords, Social Security numbers, birth dates, and card numbers. Treat your details like cash. Stolen information is then used to carry out other crimes, such as financial fraud. If you want help deciding whether the message in front of you is real, see is this a scam text.

Why report at all? The FTC says scam reports help it bring cases against the people behind the scams. The FTC says reports also help it warn people, and pass along what is going on in your area.

Step 1: Forward the text to 7726

Forward the message to 7726. The Postal Inspection Service says forwarding a smishing text to 7726 helps report the scam phone number.

Do it before you delete the message.

Step 2: Report it to the FTC

The FTC says to report a scammer at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If the text pretends to be from the FTC itself, the FTC says to report that impersonation scam at the same address.

Your report can help the FTC bring cases against the people behind the scams. The FTC says reports also help it warn people, and pass along what is going on in your area. For a broader look at how these messages work, see scam text message.

If the text pretends to be from USPS

A text about a USPS delivery that needs a response, with a strange link, is a scam. The Postal Inspection Service calls it smishing. If you got one of these, report it by emailing spam@uspis.gov.

The Postal Inspection Service says it will contact you if more information is needed. You can read more about this con in our page on the USPS scam.

One thing to know about real USPS texts. The Postal Inspection Service says USPS uses 5-digit short codes to send texts to and from mobile phones. A message about a package that comes from a long, ordinary number should raise a flag.

Non-USPS smishing: the FTC and the FBI

The Postal Inspection Service says complaints about smishing not related to USPS can also go to its law enforcement partners. Non-USPS smishing complaints can go to the Federal Trade Commission. They can also go to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

So which one do you pick? Pick the one that fits your situation.

Not sure which agency handles your scam?

If you cannot tell where your report belongs, USAGov's scams and fraud page can sort it out. The page says a short set of questions points you the right way. From there you learn which agency handles your situation and where your report should go.

This is the part that matters most. The Postal Inspection Service says if you already interacted with the link, even without clicking submit, notify your financial institution.

If you entered information, the stakes are higher. The Postal Inspection Service's guide says your Social Security number and card numbers can be used to steal your money. It also says scammers can open new accounts in your name without your knowledge or approval. Treat your personal information like cash, the guide says, because that is exactly what it is to a thief.

Before you entered anything, ask what the Postal Inspection Service suggests. Verify the sender's identity. Ask yourself why the sender wants your information. It says real companies will not ask you to confirm or give out personal information. For more on this con, see our page on the smishing scam.

What to watch for after you report

One thing needs your attention once the reports are in.

Your phone bill. The Postal Inspection Service says to regularly check your cell phone bill for unauthorized charges and report them to your carrier.

How to cut down on future scam texts

You cannot stop every scam text, but you can thin them out.

The guide says to keep your security software and applications up to date on your cell phone. It also says to be cautious of text messages from unknown senders. And you can call your carrier's customer service number to block spam messages, the guide says. You might also be able to log into your account and activate message blocks there.

Forwarding to 7726, one FTC report, and a carrier block. That is the full routine for the next text that lands.

Sources