Every strange text message looks like a scam to me now. Am I being too suspicious?

Question:
I've heard so much about scam texts that now I don't trust anything. I recently got a text that looked like it came from a company I actually use, but it wanted me to click a link. I deleted it because I wasn't sure. I don't want to fall for a scam, but I also don't want to assume every unexpected message is out to get me. How can I tell?

The short answer

A little skepticism around unexpected text messages is healthy.

But you also don't have to become a detective every time your phone buzzes.

The goal isn't necessarily to prove with 100% certainty whether every message is real or fake. It's to know what you can safely do when you're not sure.

Watch for common warning signs

Be cautious if a message:

• pressures you to act immediately

• tells you there's a problem with an account

• says you owe money

• says you've won a prize

• asks you to click a link

• asks for a password or verification code

• comes from an unfamiliar number

• uses a web address you don't recognize

Scammers often try to create urgency because people are more likely to click first and think later when they're worried or excited.

What if the message looks real?

That's where things get tricky.

A scam message can use the name of a company you actually do business with. It can mention a delivery service you use, a bank you recognize, or a popular online account.

So rather than deciding whether the text itself looks convincing, ask:

Can I check this another way?

If the message says there's a problem with your bank account, don't use the link in the message.

Instead:

• open your bank's app yourself, or

• type the bank's website into your browser, or

• call the number printed on your bank card or statement.

The same idea works for delivery companies, online stores, utilities, and other organizations.

You don't have to respond

If a message seems suspicious, you can simply leave it alone.

You can:

• delete it

• block the sender

• report it as junk or spam

And if it turns out the message was legitimate, the company will usually have another way to reach you—or you'll see the same information when you sign in through its official app or website.

The takeaway

You don't need to trust every text, and you don't need to panic about every text either.

When you're unsure, the safest move is often:

Don't click the message. Check the situation another way.Looking for something else?

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