5 text scams going around right now

March 12, 2025

By Kim Komando

It’s not just clingy exes popping into your messages out of the blue. Scammers are ramping up phony texts across the country. You can make the texts stop (more below). Here are the latest ones making the rounds and the red flags to watch for:

🚨 Fake missed toll or parking ticket

The FTC just warned about this one. You get a text claiming you have unpaid tolls or a parking ticket and must pay immediately to avoid late fees or legal trouble. The link takes you to a fake payment site that steals your credit card or driver’s license info.

💰 Nonexistent tax rebate

Scammers love free money, yours, that is. After the IRS announced stimulus payments for 2 million people in December, crooks started blasting texts saying you’re owed a $1,400 rebate. The link? A phishing site set up to steal your personal details or install malware on your phone.

👋 “Oops, wrong number!”

This one plays on human kindness. It starts with a vague message like, “Hey, is this Jessica?” or “Oops, wrong number!” If you respond, they’ll keep chatting, slowly steering the conversation toward a scam investment, a fake emergency or a malware-infected website.

📱“Suspicious activity” on your Apple ID

Scammers are texting about “suspicious activity” on your Apple ID, urging you to call a fake support line. Once they have you, they’ll try to steal your personal info or even take control of your phone to install spyware. 

📫 USPS “delivery issues”

If you get a text about a “delivery issue” or needing to “confirm your address,” don’t fall for it. Scammers are sending fake USPS messages with links that steal your personal info. USPS never asks for sensitive details over text.

How to shut scammers down

• Ignore & block: Don’t click links or reply. Block the number, enable spam filters and use your phone’s “Report Junk” feature.
• Go to the source: If you’re unsure, log in to your official account or call the company directly.
• Update your security: Keep your phone’s software and security apps updated. Turn on 2FA or use an authenticator app for extra protection.
• Report bad texts: Forward them to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile carrier.

🛑 Sick of spam texts? Stop them before they start!

Barry and I did, and it’s a game changer. No more scams, just peace of mind!

The best way is to get your number off those shady people-search sites and data broker lists. That’s exactly how scammers get your info. 

Barry and I don’t get spam texts at all because we use Incogni, and it works. They go after the data brokers selling your personal info and remove it automatically.

✅ I’ve got a 60% off deal for you. Just use my link to learn more about Incogni, see how it protects you and sign up here to clean up your digital footprint. The less of your info floating around online, the fewer scam texts, robocalls and junk emails you’ll get. It’s a no-brainer!