Short answer: do not click links, call numbers or reply to a text you did not expect. Contact the company using a phone number or website you already know. Then forward the text to your mobile provider’s spam service, block the sender, and report it to the authorities in your country.
Last reviewed: October 22, 2026 · By the TAHQEEQ Editorial Team
Why text scams work
People read almost every text message, and a text feels personal and urgent. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said in 2026 that text messages were the most common way scammers made first contact with victims in 2025. Earlier FTC data estimated that text scams cost consumers about $470 million in 2024 (about AED 1.7 billion), five times the 2020 figure, even though the number of reports had fallen. In other words, fewer texts are getting through, but the ones that work cost more.
A text scam is often called smishing (SMS phishing). The goal is to get you to click a link, enter a password or card number, or send money.
The 8 most common fake text scams
1. Fake delivery messages
“Your parcel could not be delivered. Pay a small fee to reschedule.” The FTC lists fake package delivery problems among the most commonly reported text scams. The link leads to a page that asks for your card details. Real couriers do not ask you to pay a fee by text link. Open the courier’s own app or website and enter your tracking number there.
2. Fake bank alerts
“Suspicious activity on your account. Call us or reply YES or NO.” The FTC describes fake bank fraud alerts as a top text scam. If you call the number in the text, you reach the scammer. Instead, call the number printed on the back of your bank card or open your banking app.
3. Fake job offers
“Earn money online by liking videos or completing simple tasks.” Early payments build trust, and then you are asked to “invest” or deposit your own money to unlock bigger earnings. A real employer never asks you to pay to start work.
4. Unpaid toll or traffic fine messages
“You owe an unpaid toll. Pay now to avoid a penalty.” These copy official-looking wording and urgent deadlines. Check your toll account or fines directly through the official website or app, never through a link in a message.
5. “Wrong number” messages
“Hi, is this Sarah? Are we still meeting tomorrow?” If you reply, the sender starts a friendly chat that later turns to romance or a “can’t-miss” investment. Do not reply, even to say it is the wrong number. Block and delete.
6. Prize and “free gift” messages
“You have won a prize. Pay shipping to claim it.” The FTC warns that you get no gift, only unauthorized charges. Local regulators also warn about fake prize messages, including the UAE’s telecom regulator.
7. Fake government or police messages
“You have an unpaid fine” or “Your ID or visa is expiring. Click to renew.” UAE authorities have warned residents about fraudulent messages that pretend to be from the police and other official bodies. Government bodies do not demand payment through a link in a text.
8. Account verification codes
“Your code is 482913. Reply with it to confirm.” A one-time passcode (OTP) lets someone log in to your account. Never share it with anyone, even if they claim to be from the bank, a courier or a company’s support team.
Quick comparison
| Scam | What they want | Safe response |
|---|---|---|
| Fake delivery | Card details for a “fee” | Track the parcel in the courier’s own app |
| Fake bank alert | Login or card details | Call the number on your card |
| Fake job | Your deposit or “investment” | Verify the employer independently |
| Unpaid toll or fine | A quick payment | Check the official site yourself |
| Wrong number | A long conversation, then money | Do not reply, block |
| Prize or gift | Shipping fee and card details | Delete, you did not enter a contest |
| Government or police | Payment or personal data | Contact the agency on its official site |
| Verification code | Access to your account | Never share the code |
8 warning signs in a text
- It comes from an unknown number or a long, odd-looking sender ID
- It creates urgency: “today,” “final notice,” “account will be closed”
- It contains a shortened or unusual link
- It asks you to call a number inside the message
- It uses generic greetings such as “Dear customer”
- It has spelling mistakes or odd formatting
- It asks for a code, password, card details or a payment
- It comes from a company or agency you have no recent dealings with
What to do when you get a suspicious text
- Do not tap, call or reply. Even replying “STOP” can confirm your number is active.
- Check independently. Use the official app, website or the number on your card.
- Report the text. See the list below.
- Block and delete the number.
- Turn on filters. Both iPhone and Android have settings to filter unknown senders and report junk messages.
How to report text scams
In the United States
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider identify and block similar messages, according to the FTC.
- Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- If you lost money online, also file a complaint at ic3.gov.
In the United Arab Emirates
- Dubai: call Dubai Police on 901, or use the Dubai Police eCrime platform for cybercrime reports.
- Abu Dhabi: call the Aman service on 800 2626, send an SMS to 2828, or email aman@adpolice.gov.ae.
- Sharjah and Ajman: call your local police on 901.
- Contact your bank straight away if you shared card or account details, and report the number to your telecom provider (du or e&).
Phone numbers and procedures can change. Confirm them on the official website of the authority before you rely on them.
What if you already clicked or replied?
- If you entered card or bank details, call your bank immediately and ask them to block the card and any pending payments.
- Change the password for any account where you used the same password, and turn on two-factor login.
- If you shared a one-time code, contact the service involved straight away to secure the account.
- Run a security scan on your phone if you installed an app from the link, and remove the app.
- Keep screenshots of the message and the link, then report to the authorities above.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a virus just by receiving a text?
Receiving a text is almost never enough. The risk comes from tapping a link, downloading an app or sharing information.
Should I reply STOP to a spam text?
No, not for a message you did not expect. Replying can confirm that your number is active and lead to more scam messages. Block the number and report it.
Why do scammers know my name?
Names and numbers are often leaked in data breaches or bought from lists. Having your name does not mean the sender is real. Check if your email has been in a breach at haveibeenpwned.com.
Is it safe to open a link if my antivirus says it is clean?
No. New scam links are often not yet reported. If the message is unexpected, go to the company’s website or app yourself.
Do real banks send text messages?
Yes, but real banks do not ask for your full PIN, password or one-time code, and they do not ask you to move money to a “safe account.”
Sources
- FTC Consumer Alert: Have you been getting scammy text messages?
- FTC testimony to the Joint Economic Committee, March 2026
- FTC data on top text message scams in 2024
- Bayut: How to report fraudulent calls in the UAE
- Gulf News: fraudulent messages claiming to be from the police
Currency conversions use the fixed rate of about AED 3.67 per US dollar. This guide is for general information and is not legal or financial advice. See our Disclaimer.