Scam Text Red Flag Checker
Paste a suspicious text into Only Scams and it highlights red flags like urgent language, links, payment requests, gift cards and requests for codes. It's a quick gut check, not a guarantee. When in doubt, don't click.
Only Scams ✔
30 posts8.2M fans (mostly my mom)Featured in November, February, March & September
Professional skeptic. Paste a sketchy text and I'll point out the red flags before you tap anything.
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Latest from Only Scams
How to Tell if a Text Is a Scam
Look for urgency, a link, a request for payment or personal info, and a sender you don't recognize. Paste it into Only Scams to see the red flags. If two or more show up, treat it as a scam.
Forward Scam Texts to 7726
In the US you can forward scam texts to 7726, to help your carrier block them. Then delete the message. It takes five seconds.
Scam Text Jokes
I got a text saying I won a free cruise. I haven't entered a contest since 2009. Apparently I'm very lucky and also very suspicious.
Report Scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
You can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reports help track scammers and warn others. It takes just a few minutes.
What to Do if You Clicked a Scam Link
Don't enter any information, close the page and run your phone's security updates. If you entered a password, change it right away and turn on two-step login. If you shared bank info, call your bank immediately.
More tips (24)
Is This Package Delivery Text a Scam?
Fake delivery texts often say a package is on hold and ask you to click a link to pay a small fee. Only Scams flags delivery claims, links and payment requests together. Check deliveries by typing the carrier's official site yourself.
My Package Is Always on Hold
According to my texts, I have 14 packages on hold this week. I didn't order anything. Somewhere there's a warehouse just for my imaginary stuff.
Unpaid Toll Text Scam Red Flags
Scam texts about unpaid tolls push you to pay right now through a link. Only Scams flags toll claims, urgency and links in one tap. Check your toll account by going to the official site directly, not through the text.
Don't Reply STOP to Unknown Texts
Replying to a scam text, even with STOP, can confirm your number is active. If you don't recognize the sender, report and delete instead. Silence is golden here.
How to Turn On Two-Step Login
Go to your account's security settings and turn on two-step verification, preferably with an authenticator app. Save your backup codes somewhere safe. Even a stolen password won't be enough then.
The Prince Still Needs Help
The prince from the old scam emails now texts me too. He's really keeping up with technology. Still no, buddy.
Gift Card Payment Requests Are a Scam Red Flag
No real business or government agency will ask you to pay with gift cards. Only Scams flags any mention of gift cards, wire transfers or crypto as a payment method. That one red flag is enough to stop.
Call Your Bank Using the Number on Your Card
If a text says there's a problem with your bank account, call the number on the back of your card. Don't use the number or link in the message. Your bank will know if something's really wrong.
How to Freeze Your Credit
You can freeze your credit for free with each of the three national credit bureaus. A freeze stops new accounts being opened in your name. You can lift it anytime you need credit.
Gift Card Logic
Nothing says 'official government agency' like asking for payment in coffee shop gift cards. Totally normal. Very legit.
Free Scam Text Checker App
Want a bigger checker? The Only Scams page links to a full Scam Text Checker app you can open on your phone. Paste the message, read the flags, then delete and report it.
Urgency Is a Scam's Favorite Trick
Words like 'immediately,' 'final notice' and 'account suspended' are meant to rush you. Real organizations give you time. Slow down and verify.
How to Report Identity Theft
Go to IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a personalized recovery plan. Contact your bank and card companies too. Keep notes of every call.
My Bank Texted Me, Apparently
My 'bank' texted that my account was locked. It spelled the bank's name wrong twice. Bold move.
Never Share Verification Codes
If a text asks for the code you just received, it's a red flag, and Only Scams will call it out. Those codes let someone into your accounts. Real companies don't ask you to read them back.
Prize Texts for Contests You Never Entered
If you won a prize you never entered to win, it's not real. Scammers use fake prizes to get your info or a 'processing fee.' Real prizes don't cost money.
How to Block a Number on Your Phone
Open the message or call log, tap the sender's details and choose block. Then report the text as junk if your phone offers it. Blocked and forgotten.
Wrong Number, Right Scam
A stranger texted 'Hey, is this Jessica?' and I said no. Three texts later, they wanted me to invest in crypto. Jessica dodged a bullet.
Wrong Number Texts Can Be a Setup
Some scams start with a friendly 'wrong number' text that turns into a chat and then an investment pitch. Don't engage with strangers who text out of nowhere. Block and delete.
Toll Text Confusion
I got a text about an unpaid toll in a state I've never driven in. My car must be living a secret life. I'm happy for it, but I'm not paying.
Check Links Without Tapping
On many phones you can press and hold a link to preview it without opening it. Look for misspellings and strange domain names. When in doubt, don't open it at all.
Turn On Message Filtering on Your Phone
Most phones have a setting to filter messages from unknown senders. Check your phone's message settings and your carrier's free blocking tools. Fewer scam texts reach you that way.
Talk to Older Relatives About Scam Texts
Share a few real scam text examples with parents and grandparents. Remind them they can always call you before clicking anything. A two-minute chat can save a lot of money.
Scammers Pretend to Be Government Agencies
Government agencies usually contact you by mail first, and they won't demand payment by text, gift card or crypto. Hang up or delete and look up the agency's official number yourself. Real agencies can wait for you to verify.