How to spot a fake text message

Signs that a text message impersonating a bank, courier, or government agency is fraudulent.

By AlertaSpam Security Team. Published August 7, 2026

Fake text messages ('smishing') often share a few traits: a sense of urgency ('your account will be suspended'), a shortened or unfamiliar link, a sender ID that doesn't match the real organization, and a request to confirm personal or payment details.

Before clicking: check the sender against a previous, trusted message from the same organization; look up the link's domain on AlertaSpam rather than clicking it directly; and remember that real banks and couriers do not ask you to 'confirm' a password or full card number by text.

If in doubt, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you already trust — not one from the message.