Text message scams—also known as smishing (SMS phishing)—are on the rise. These scams use fake text messages to trick people into clicking links, sharing personal information, or downloading harmful software.
What makes smishing dangerous is how real the messages can look. They often pretend to come from banks, delivery companies, government agencies, or even people you know. And they work—Americans lost over $330 million to text scams in 2022 alone. (FTC)
We’ll explain how these scams work, who they target, the kinds of info they steal, and how you can protect yourself and your members from getting ripped off.
How Smishing Scams Work
Scammers send text messages that look urgent or important. Their goal is to get you to:
- Click a link (which may lead to a fake login page)
- Call a fake phone number
- Reply with personal info
- Download malware
These messages usually come from spoofed numbers that look local or familiar. Some even pretend to be your bank, union rep, boss, or delivery service.
Who Do Scammers Target?
The truth is, everyone is a target. But scammers do focus more on certain groups:
- Older adults, who may not be as familiar with digital scams
- Working-class folks, who are more likely to react to messages about wages, benefits, or account issues
- Non-native English speakers, who may misunderstand or trust official-looking messages
- People under financial stress, who are more likely to jump on offers like fake job ads or debt relief
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the top reported smishing topics in 2022 included fake bank alerts, package delivery updates, job offers, and government benefits. (source)
What Kind of Information Do They Try to Steal?
Scammers are usually after:
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card info
- Social Security numbers
- Online account passwords
- Two-factor authentication codes
Once they get that data, they can drain your bank account, steal your identity, or break into other accounts (like your email or union portal).
Sometimes, it only takes one click. Clicking a shady link could install malware that monitors your phone activity or copies your text messages.
Common Text Scam Topics
Smishing scams are constantly changing. But many of them follow the same themes:
- Bank Account or Credit Card Alerts
- “Your debit card has been locked. Tap here to unlock it.”
- These messages often include a link to a fake bank site where you’re asked to log in. That’s how they steal your username and password.
- Delivery Notifications
- “Your USPS package is on hold. Update delivery info here.”
- This trick plays off the fact that many people get regular deliveries. Clicking the link might lead to a fake form asking for your address, phone number, or payment info.
- Government or Tax Messages
- “You’ve qualified for a tax refund. Click to claim now.”
- Scammers often pose as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare.
- Fake Job Offers
- “We found your resume online. This remote job pays $500/day. Apply now.”
- These try to rope people in by offering fast cash. The link may lead to an application form that steals your personal data.
- Family or Friend Emergencies
- “Mom, I lost my phone. I’m using a friend’s number. Can you send me $200?”
- This emotional trick tries to pressure people into sending money before thinking it through.
- Union or Employer Impersonations
- Some scammers pose as union reps or HR departments, saying things like: “There’s a problem with your paycheck. Please verify your info.”
- These can be especially dangerous if scammers know where you work or what union you belong to.
How to Spot a Scam Text
Watch for these red flags:
- Messages from unknown numbers
- Links that look weird (e.g., bit.ly, or websites that don’t match the real company name)
- Urgent or threatening language (“Act now!” “Account locked!”)
- Requests for personal or financial info
- Poor grammar or spelling mistakes
If something feels off, it probably is.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never click on links in unsolicited texts
- If your bank or delivery service texts you, don’t click the link. Go to the company’s official website or app to check for alerts.
- Don’t reply
- Even if the message says “Reply STOP to unsubscribe,” don’t do it. Responding confirms that your number is active.
- Report the scam
- You can forward suspicious messages to 7726 (SPAM). This helps mobile carriers block those numbers.
- You can also report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Use built-in spam filters
- Most phones and carriers now offer spam protection. Turn these on in your settings to reduce unwanted messages.
- Warn your coworkers and family
- Scammers rely on speed and confusion. A quick heads-up can keep others from falling for the same tricks.
What to Do If You Fall for a Scam
If you accidentally clicked a scam link or gave away info, take these steps immediately:
- Change your passwords (especially for email and banking apps)
- Contact your bank or credit union to freeze or monitor your accounts
- Check your credit report for any suspicious activity (AnnualCreditReport.com)
- Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov
Scams Are Getting Smarter. You Need to Be, Too.
Smishing scams are cheap, fast, and hard to trace—which makes them a favorite tool for criminals. They don’t care who they hurt, as long as they get paid.
But the good news is that awareness works. Once you know how these scams operate, they’re a lot easier to spot and avoid.
Unions can help protect members by spreading the word, providing tips, and staying updated on the latest scams. A simple reminder at a meeting or in a newsletter could save someone thousands of dollars—or protect their identity from being stolen.
The digital world comes with real risks. Scammers are out there every day trying to steal your money, your data, and your peace of mind.
But if you slow down, think before you tap, and share what you know, you can keep yourself and your union community safe.
Having identity theft protection can also be a great way to improve that peace of mind, so that your members know they are protected in the event they are compromised.
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