Plain-words guide

Is this text message a scam? The 60-second check

If a text you didn't expect asks you to click a link, pay something small, or "verify" your identity, treat it as a scam until proven otherwise. The one rule that keeps you safe: never use the link or phone number in the message. Go to the organization directly — the number on the back of your card, the official website you type yourself, or the app you already have. Real banks, toll agencies, and delivery companies will never ask for passwords, one-time codes, or gift cards by text.

The common tells

Urgency ("within 24 hours"), small odd amounts (a $3.99 toll), links with misspelled or unusual domains, requests for one-time codes, and any payment by gift card, wire, or crypto. Any one of these alone is reason enough to stop.

If you already clicked or paid

Don't be embarrassed — act. Call your bank's fraud line (number on your card) first. Then report: the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, the FBI at ic3.gov, and forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). If you shared a password, change it everywhere it's used.

Do it in 60 seconds: Not sure? Paste the text into ScamCheck FL — you get Safe, Suspicious, or Scam in plain words, free, English or Spanish, nothing stored.
Open ScamCheck FL — free →

Common questions

Why did the scam text know my name?

Names, phones, and emails circulate in data breaches. Knowing your name proves nothing about who is texting.

Are 'wrong number' friendly texts scams?

The common pattern is a stranger continuing the conversation after a supposed wrong number — that is a known lead-in to investment and romance scams. Don't reply.

What is 7726?

A free shortcode (spells SPAM) most US carriers use to collect scam texts. Forward the message there, then delete it.

Sources: FTC — How to recognize and report spam text messages · FBI IC3. This guide is general information, not legal, financial, or medical advice.