5 Common Text Scams Targeting Seniors This Year (and How to Spot Them)

How Text Scams Work

Text message scams — often called "smishing" (SMS phishing) — are fraudulent messages designed to trick you into sharing personal information, clicking malicious links, or sending money.

Scammers know that many adults 50+ manage finances, healthcare, and family matters by phone. They exploit trust in familiar brands like banks, delivery companies, and government agencies.

The good news: once you know the patterns, these scams are easy to spot.

The Five Most Common Text Scams Right Now

1. The "Bank Fraud Alert" Scam

What it looks like: "FRAUD ALERT: Did you authorize a $497.83 charge at Amazon? Reply YES or NO. If this wasn't you, call 1-800-xxx-xxxx immediately."

The trick: The number they want you to call is fake. When you call, a scammer posing as your bank asks for your account number, PIN, or online banking password to "verify your identity."

How to spot it: Your real bank already has fraud detection. They'll never ask for your PIN or password by phone or text. If you're worried, open your banking app or call the number on the back of your card.

2. The "Package Delivery" Scam

What it looks like: "USPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. Update your information here: [fake link]"

The trick: The link leads to a convincing-but-fake USPS website that asks for your address and credit card to "reschedule delivery." The small "redelivery fee" is actually the start of ongoing credit card fraud.

How to spot it: Check the sender's number. Legitimate delivery notifications come from short codes (5-6 digits) or verified numbers, not random 10-digit phone numbers. Also, USPS, FedEx, and UPS never charge to redeliver a package.

3. The "Government Refund" Scam

What it looks like: "IRS: You are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus payment. Submit your claim now at [fake link] before funds expire."

The trick: These often spike during tax season or when relief programs are in the news. The fake IRS site collects your Social Security number, birth date, and bank details.

How to spot it: The IRS communicates by mail first, never by text. No government agency will text you about money you're owed.

4. The "Grandchild in Trouble" Scam

What it looks like: "Grandma, it's me. I'm in trouble and need money for bail. Please don't tell Mom and Dad. I'll explain everything later. Send money through [payment app]."

The trick: Scammers gather basic family information from social media or data breaches and use emotional manipulation. The urgency and secrecy are designed to make you act without thinking.

How to spot it: Call your grandchild directly on their known phone number. Scammers will discourage this. A real family member in genuine trouble would want you to verify.

5. The "Subscription Renewal" Scam

What it looks like: "Netflix: Your payment method was declined. Update your billing information to avoid service interruption: [fake link]"

The trick: The fake Netflix login page captures your email, password, and credit card. Since many people reuse passwords, the scammer now has access to your email, streaming, bank, and more.

How to spot it: Never update payment information through a text link. Open the app or type the website address yourself and check your account settings.

The One Rule That Stops Nearly All Text Scams

Never click a link in an unexpected text message. If the message claims to be from a company or agency you do business with, open their app or type their official website into your browser yourself. If it's a real alert, you'll see it in your account.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text

1. Don't click anything. Don't even open links to "unsubscribe."
2. Forward the text to 7726 (spells "SPAM" on a phone keypad). This reports it to your mobile carrier.
3. Block the sender's number.
4. Delete the message.

What to Do If You Already Clicked

If you clicked a link or shared information, act quickly:

1. Call your bank immediately if you shared any financial information.
2. Change your passwords — start with email, then banking, then everything else. Use a different password for each.
3. Freeze your credit — contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It's free and prevents anyone from opening accounts in your name.

Remember: falling for a scam is not a sign of weakness. These scams are designed by professionals who do this all day, every day. The best protection is knowing the patterns.