Scam text messages are one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud targeting older adults today. Knowing what to look for can protect your finances, your personal information, and your peace of mind.
Here’s what everyone should know about text scams.
Warning Signs a Text Message Is a Scam
It Creates Urgency
Scammers want you to react before you think. Phrases like “Your account will be suspended,” “Act now or lose access,” or “You have 24 hours to respond” are designed to rush you into clicking or calling. Legitimate organizations give you time.
It Asks for Personal Information
No real bank, government agency, or health insurance provider will ask for your Social Security number, Medicare ID, password, or financial details over text. If a message is asking for any of this, do not reply.
The Number Looks Unfamiliar or Strange
Scam texts often come from 10-digit phone numbers that look like regular cell phones, or from email addresses masquerading as text senders. If the number doesn’t match an organization’s official contact, be cautious.
There’s a Link you Didn’t Expect
Unsolicited links, even ones that look like they go to a real website can lead to fake pages built to steal your information. If you didn’t ask for a link, don’t click it.
The Message has Spelling Errors or Awkward Phrasing
Scammers often work quickly and across multiple targets. Typos, unusual capitalization, and sentences that feel slightly off are common red flags.
It Offers Something Too Good to be True
Winning a prize you never entered, receiving a refund you don’t remember requesting, or being offered a free gift in exchange for personal details are common setups.
It Impersonates a Trusted Brand
Scammers frequently pose as Medicare, Social Security, Amazon, the USPS, your bank, or even a family member in distress. The name in a message doesn’t guarantee who actually sent it.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text
Don’t Reply
Even texting “STOP” to an unknown number can confirm that your number is active, which leads to more scams.
Don’t Click any Links
If you’re concerned something is real, go directly to the organization’s official website or call their published phone number, not any number listed in the message.
Take a Screenshot
If you want to report it or ask someone for a second opinion, a screenshot gives you a record without requiring you to interact with the message again.
Talk to Someone You Trust
If a message feels suspicious but you’re not sure, ask a family member or friend before doing anything. A second set of eyes can help provide clarity on next steps.
Delete the Message
Remove it from your phone, so you don’t accidentally interact with it in the future.
How STAY Helps You Stay One Step Ahead
Knowing the warning signs is a great first step, but having a tool that checks messages for you adds a powerful layer of protection.
If you receive a text, email, or message that feels off, you can share it directly with STAY’s Scam Checker feature. The app reviews the content for suspicious language, risky links, and patterns commonly associated with fraud. Then, it walks you through exactly what it found and what to do next.
Download STAY and explore the Scam Checker feature today at stayapp.com.
