I have been getting a lot of texts that are clearly scams, and those around me have confirmed an increase in spammy texts.

According to an FTC Consumer Protection Data Spotlight, individuals lost over $470 million resulting from text scams. The top text scams of 2024 that accounted for half of the $470 million lost by consumers to fake texts included:

  1. Fake package delivery problems;
  2. Phony job opportunities;
  3. Fake fraud alerts;
  4. Bogus notices about unpaid tolls; and
  5. “Wrong number” texts that aren’t.

According to the FTC, actionable ways to help stop text scams include:

  • Forwarding messages to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages.
  • Reporting it on either the Apple iMessages app for iPhone users or Google Messages app for Android users.
  • Reporting it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How can you avoid text scams?

Never click on links or respond to unexpected texts. If you think it might be legit, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is legitimate. Don’t use the information in the text message. Filter unwanted texts before they reach you.

Remember that texts are just like emails and can be used for smishing instead of phishing. Treat them the same—with a healthy bout of caution and vigilance to avoid being victimized.

Photo of Linn Foster Freedman Linn Foster Freedman

Linn Freedman practices in data privacy and security law, cybersecurity, and complex litigation. She is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Financial Services Cyber-Compliance Team, and chairs the firm’s Data Privacy and Security and Artificial Intelligence Teams. Linn focuses her…

Linn Freedman practices in data privacy and security law, cybersecurity, and complex litigation. She is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Financial Services Cyber-Compliance Team, and chairs the firm’s Data Privacy and Security and Artificial Intelligence Teams. Linn focuses her practice on compliance with all state and federal privacy and security laws and regulations. She counsels a range of public and private clients from industries such as construction, education, health care, insurance, manufacturing, real estate, utilities and critical infrastructure, marine and charitable organizations, on state and federal data privacy and security investigations, as well as emergency data breach response and mitigation. Linn is an Adjunct Professor of the Practice of Cybersecurity at Brown University and an Adjunct Professor of Law at Roger Williams University School of Law.  Prior to joining the firm, Linn served as assistant attorney general and deputy chief of the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Office for the State of Rhode Island. She earned her J.D. from Loyola University School of Law and her B.A., with honors, in American Studies from Newcomb College of Tulane University. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Read her full rc.com bio here.

Read more about Linn Foster Freedman
Show more Show less