How to Know if a Text Message is a Scam

Spotting a Text Message Scam

Text messaging has become a widely used communication method for both individuals and businesses. Unfortunately, scammers have taken advantage of this, sending deceptive messages designed to trick people into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, and home addresses.

This type of scam, known as smishing (SMS phishing), is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Scammers use advanced technology to impersonate trusted brands and organisations, leading unsuspecting individuals to lose personal data and even large sums of money.

How do scammers get away with it? Many fraudulent messages appear to come from well-known companies such as Amazon or MyDeal, because these businesses send thousands (or even millions) of texts daily. Scammers use similar branding, company names, and even fake websites to make their messages look legitimate.

To help you spot these scams before it’s too late, here are five tell-tale signs of a text message scam. 

1. Suspicious Number or Sender ID 

One of the easiest ways to detect a scam text is by checking the caller or sender ID. If the sender’s name or number doesn’t match the legitimate business it claims to be from, the message is likely fraudulent.

Red flags to watch for:

🚩The company name is written in all capital letters instead of proper formatting

🚩A mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters is used inconsistently

🚩The name is abbreviated, misspelled, or contains extra characters

🚩A nickname or unofficial name is used instead of the company’s real name

Example: "PAYP4L: We have detected suspicious activity on your account. Verify your identity now to avoid suspension: paypal-security-check.com"

 Red Flag: The sender ID looks similar but is slightly altered (e.g., "PAYP4L" instead of "PayPal"). 

2. A Random Message with a Suspicious Link

Many scam messages contain a link to a fake website that mimics a real company’s page. 

Clicking these links can lead to:

• Malware installation on your phone

• A fake website asking for your login details, financial information, or personal data

How to identify a fake URL:

🚩Spelling mistakes that slightly alter the brand’s official domain

🚩Random numbers, symbols, or extra letters added to the link

🚩Unusual capitalisation within the web address

Example: "Your package is out for delivery. Reschedule your delivery now: track-my-package-au.com"

Red Flag: The message contains a link that leads to a phishing site or downloads malware. 

3. The ‘Too Good to Be True’ Text Message Offer

A common SMS scam involves messages claiming you have won a prize, entered a competition, or have an opportunity to claim a reward. Alternatively, scammers may invite recipients to take part in a contest.

If you have entered a competition recently, a genuine winning text message will usually never:

🚩Address you by name

🚩Mention details of the prize you have won

🚩Ask you to reply with personal details

If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Example: "Congrats! You’re the lucky winner of a $5,000 Coles gift card! Claim your prize now before it expires: claim-now-coles.com"

Red Flag: Unsolicited messages promising prizes you never signed up for. 

5. International Phone Numbers

If the SMS message is not sent from a local number, it might be a scam. Messages sent from international numbers that include a country code other than +61 (Australia’s country code) may indicate a fraudulent message.

Unless you are expecting a message from an international number, delete the text immediately and avoid clicking any associated links.

Example: "+38967543212: Your CommBank account has been frozen due to security concerns. Click here to verify your identity: commbank-support-login.com"

Red Flag: The message comes from an international number rather than an official sender ID. 

What to Do If You Fall for an SMS Scam 

If you have already clicked on a suspicious link or shared personal information, take immediate action:

• If you entered your bank details: Contact your bank immediately and request a fraud alert.  

• If you downloaded an app: Delete the suspicious app right away.  

• If you shared personal data: Monitor accounts for suspicious activity and consider identity protection services like IDCARE

   

For any of the incidents above and if you have questions, such as "how do I report a scam text message",  visit Scamwatch.

What to Do If You Fall for an SMS Scam 

If you have already clicked on a suspicious link or shared personal information, take immediate action:

• If you entered your bank details: Contact your bank immediately and request a fraud alert.  

• If you downloaded an app: Delete the suspicious app right away.  

• If you shared personal data: Monitor accounts for suspicious activity and consider identity protection services like IDCARE

   

For any of the incidents above and if you have questions, such as "how do I report a scam text message",  visit Scamwatch.

How Stirdie Can Help 

One of the biggest challenges in identifying SMS scams is distinguishing fraudulent messages from legitimate ones. Stirdie helps solve this problem with verified businesses to communicate with and it's encrypted messaging platform for sending digital messages and secure file transfer. 

Recognize and Avoid SMS Text Message Scams 

By recognizing these tell-tale signs and taking preventive measures, you can avoid falling victim to SMS scams. Always stay cautious of unsolicited text messages, verify suspicious claims directly with businesses, and report fraudulent messages when necessary.

With SMS scams becoming more sophisticated, staying informed is your best defence against fraud.