How To Identify a Fake Text Message & Report It?

In today’s digital world, where almost everyone relies on text messages for communication, scammers have found ways to exploit this trust. Unfortunately, fake text messages—often designed to steal personal information or spread malware—can appear surprisingly authentic, especially when they seem to come from banks, delivery services, or even friends.

However, knowing the common signs to identify a fake text message can protect you from fraud before it’s too late. Here is how you can identify and report one.

Signs to Identify a Fake Text Message

It is not always simple to spot a fake text message, but there are some general indications that you can use to identify one:

1. Unknown or Suspicious Sender

Watch out if you receive a text from an unknown number or an unusual email address. Spammers have messages sent via random numbers or email addresses not close to the company’s formal contact details, where they are forging.

Legit companies like courier firms and banks usually send notifications from authenticated shortcodes or trusted contacts. Don’t reply if the sender’s information appears suspicious.

2. Urgency and Threats

Scammers play on fear and panic to get people to make impulsive choices. They can say your bank account will be shut down, your delivery package will be rejected, or you’ve won a prize you must win now. These are designed to make you panic and act quickly without thinking.

However, real companies never threaten customers or pressure them to act through text messages. If a message asks you to act immediately, it’s probably a scam.

3. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

If you see unusual phrasing, spelling errors, or uncoordinated sentence constructions, it indicates that the message could be a scam.

Scammers also use poor grammar since they might not be as proficient in the language, or send bulk messages quickly without proper screening. If a message is unprofessional or sounds weird, it’s always better to be cautious and not trust it.

4. Suspicious Links

Spammers also tend to include links in their emails that take you to fake websites designed to steal your information. These links typically appear suspicious with random numbers and letters or use link shorteners such as TinyURL or Bit.ly to conceal their destination.

An authentic company will always use its original website, so if the link appears strange or suspicious, do not click on it.

5. Requests for Personal Information

If you receive a text asking for your password, PIN, bank details, or Social Security number, it’s a big warning sign. Legitimate businesses like banks and government agencies will never ask for sensitive information through text.

Scammers send them to obtain your information and access your accounts. Don’t reply or click on the link if you receive such a message.

How to Report a Fake Text Message?

If you get a suspicious message, here’s how you can report it in different countries:

1. United States

1. Send the message to 7726 (SPAM): This will notify your cellular carrier to identify and block fraudulent numbers and prevent future scam messages.
2. Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov to report the scam. Reporting it makes it easier for authorities to track and act against scammers.

2. United Kingdom

1. Send the message to 7726: This service is free for most UK mobile networks and helps phone operators recognize and block scam numbers.
2. Report to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): Email an account of the scam to [email protected]. This enables cybersecurity experts to act against scammers.

3. India

1. Send a message to 1909: This reporting number for spam messages helps mobile operators take action against spammers.
2. Report to the National Cyber Crime Portal: Go to www.cybercrime.gov.in to register your complaint. This helps the authorities track and stop cyber fraud.
3. File a complaint with TRAI’s Do Not Disturb (DND) service: Go to www.sancharsaathi.gov.in to avoid unwanted spam and complain about these messages.