The best way to get better at spotting scam texts is to read real ones. Here are 10 actual scam text messages collected in the past 30 days, with a breakdown of exactly what makes each one a scam.
Text 1: The USPS Package
"USPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. Update your delivery info at: usps-parcel-update.com to avoid return."
The giveaway: Real USPS links go to usps.com only. "usps-parcel-update.com" is a fake site designed to steal your card number.
Text 2: The Bank Alert
"ALERT: Suspicious activity detected on your account. Verify your identity at: secure-chase-verify.com or your account will be suspended."
The giveaway: Chase's real URL is chase.com. "secure-chase-verify.com" is fake. Banks send you to their own domain, never a variation.
Text 3: The IRS Refund
"IRS: You have a pending refund of $847.00. Claim it before it expires at: irs-refund-portal.net"
The giveaway: The IRS does not send refund notifications by text. The IRS website is irs.gov — nothing else.
Text 4: The Wrong Number
"Hi! Is this Michael? I think I have the wrong number but you seem interesting — what do you do for work?"
The giveaway: This is the opening move of a romance or crypto investment scam. The "wrong number" is intentional — it starts a conversation that over weeks leads to a request for money or a fake investment opportunity.
Text 5: The Prize Winner
"Walmart Customer: You have been selected for our monthly $1,000 gift card giveaway! Claim your reward: walmart-rewards-2026.com"
The giveaway: Walmart's real domain is walmart.com. This link is fake. No legitimate retailer runs giveaways by cold text message.
Before clicking any link in a text, ask three questions: (1) Did I expect this message? (2) Does the link go to the company's real official domain? (3) Is there urgency or a threat? If the answer to 1 is no, or 2 is no, or 3 is yes — don't click. Paste the text into ProtectMyCircle instead for a full analysis.
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