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Text Scams
Who's targeted: Mobile phone users|
Reaches you via:text
If You See It
- ✓Do not tap any links
- ✓Delete the message
- ✓Block the sender
- ✓Report as spam to your carrier (forward to 7726)
If You Clicked
- !Close your browser immediately
- !Clear your browser history and cookies
- !Change passwords for any accounts mentioned
If You Gave Info
- ⚠Contact your bank immediately
- ⚠Place a fraud alert on your credit
- ⚠Monitor your phone bill for unauthorized charges
What This Looks Like
Fake Toll Payment
You receive a text: "EZ-Pass: You have an unpaid toll of $4.15. Pay now to avoid a $50 late fee: https://ezpass-payment.click/pay"
Red Flags
- ⚠Suspicious domain — not the real EZ-Pass website
- ⚠Small dollar amount designed to seem harmless
- ⚠Threatens a much larger penalty to create urgency
Safe Response
Do not click. Go to your state toll authority website directly or call their customer service number to check your balance.
Fake Bank Text Alert
A text arrives: "Wells Fargo Alert: Did you authorize a $500 Zelle payment? Reply YES or NO. If not, call 1-800-555-0199 immediately."
Red Flags
- ⚠The phone number is fake — not Wells Fargo's real number
- ⚠Designed to make you panic and call immediately
- ⚠Real banks do not ask you to reply YES or NO via text
Safe Response
Do not reply or call the number in the text. Call Wells Fargo using the number on the back of your debit card or on their official website.