Newly released data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report that consumers reported losses totaling $470 million to text message scams in 2024. This figure marks a significant increase, being five times higher than the amount reported in 2020.
The most frequently reported type of text scam involved fake package delivery notifications, where recipients were alerted about supposed issues with an incoming delivery. Additionally, bogus job opportunities, such as "task scams," where participants are promised online work involving series of tasks, were prevalent. These scams frequently culminate in requests for individuals to invest their own money.
Other prevalent scams reported include fake "fraud alert" messages warning about suspicious purchases or banking issues, notices of fake unpaid tolls accompanied by links to resolve them, and "wrong number" scams. These misdirected messages often evolve into conversations with romantic undertones that can lead to further fraud.
The FTC offers guidance to consumers for dealing with text message scams, advising them to:
- Forward these messages to 7726 (SPAM) to help wireless providers identify and block similar content.
- Report incidents using the Apple iMessages app or Google Messages app, and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Additionally, advice to avoid text message scams includes:
- Refraining from clicking on links or responding to unexpected texts. For verification, contact companies using information sourced from official channels.
- Utilizing methods to block unwanted text messages before they are received.
The FTC continues its mission to promote competition while protecting and educating consumers. As part of its role, the FTC emphasizes that it will never demand money, make threats, instruct fund transfers, or promise prizes. For more information on consumer topics, fraud prevention, and to report scams, individuals can visit consumer.ftc.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Updates from the FTC are available through social media, consumer alerts, the business blog, and by signing up for newsletters.
