THE SHORT VERSION
An urgent text can wait. Skip its link and open the company’s app or website yourself. Check there before you respond.
A familiar situation
Imagine a text arrives saying your delivery is on hold. It asks for a small fee and gives you a link. You are expecting a package, so the timing feels convincing. That alone does not confirm who sent it.
1. Leave the message’s link alone
Unexpected texts may imitate delivery services or account alerts. A familiar company name does not establish that the sender is genuine. Avoid replying, opening attachments, or entering information through the message.
2. Check through a separate route
Open the company’s app yourself or use a website or phone number you already know is genuine. Look for the delivery or account issue there. This separates your check from the sender’s instructions.
3. Report it, then move on
Use your messaging app’s report-junk option. In the United States, you can also forward a suspicious text to 7726 (SPAM). If you shared sensitive information, use the FTC’s phishing guidance below for next steps.
One thing to try today
With someone you trust, practice opening a familiar company’s app directly. You do not need to use a suspicious message to rehearse this habit.
Read more from trusted sources
General educational guidance. If you believe someone has stolen your information or money, use the official recovery guidance at IdentityTheft.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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