Text scams—also known as smishing (SMS phishing)—are surging across the U.S., evolving faster than ever thanks to AI and social engineering tactics. In 2024 alone, Americans lost over $470 million to text scams, and projections suggest that number could climb to $15–18 billion annually by the end of 2025. These scams are no longer just annoying—they’re dangerous.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest text scams, how they work, and how to protect yourself.
🚨 Top Text Scams Making Headlines
1. Fake DMV Fines and Vehicle Suspension Threats
Where: Pennsylvania and California
How it works: Victims receive texts claiming they owe traffic fines and risk losing their registration or license. The messages cite fake administrative codes and link to bogus payment portals.
Red flags: Area codes from out-of-state (e.g., Oregon), nonexistent legal citations, and urgent threats.
2. Unpaid Tax Scams
Where: Potter County, Texas
How it works: Residents are told they owe property taxes and must pay immediately via a link. The messages impersonate local tax offices.
Official response: The Potter County Tax Office confirmed they never contact taxpayers via text.
3. Bank Account Verification Scams
Target: Chase Bank customers (and others)
How it works: Texts warn of suspicious activity and urge users to verify their account via a link. These phishing messages mimic real alerts and use urgency to provoke action.
Tip: Real banks never ask for login credentials or personal info via text.
4. Fake Toll Payment Requests
How it works: Scammers impersonate toll agencies, claiming you owe money and must pay via a link. These scams often use official-looking logos and urgent language.
5. Delivery and Employment Scams
Delivery scams: Fake FedEx or UPS messages claim a package couldn’t be delivered and prompt you to click a link.
Job scams: Texts offer high-paying jobs or freelance gigs, asking for personal info or upfront fees.
🧠Why These Scams Work
Scammers exploit:
Urgency: “Act now or face consequences.”
Authority: Posing as government agencies, banks, or employers.
Familiarity: Using logos, formatting, and language that mimic real organizations.
AI tools: Crafting flawless, convincing messages with no spelling errors.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
Never click links in unsolicited texts—even if they look official.
Don’t reply or engage with suspicious senders.
Report spam to your carrier (e.g., forward to 7726).
Use antivirus apps and enable spam filters on your phone.
Verify independently: Contact banks or agencies directly using official websites or phone numbers.
Educate others: Share this post with friends and family—especially older adults who are often targeted.
đź“Ł Final Thoughts
Text scams are becoming more sophisticated, but awareness is your best defense. At DailyScamWatch.com, we’re committed to exposing these threats and empowering consumers to fight back. If you’ve received a suspicious message, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and help stop the spread.
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Editors note: Source for this post: Reader’s Digest, BEI Networks, Experian, Scam Detector, Aura, SlickText, FTC, Potter County Tax Office