Spam Text Messages Examples: Spot Them Before It’s Too Late

Lily Evans - July 31, 2025

If you’ve ever received a weird text about a missed package or a prize you never entered to win, you’re not alone. Spam text messages have become one of the most common forms of digital fraud, and they’re only getting worse with artificial intelligence (AI) in the mix.

In fact, Americans received over 19.2 billion spam texts in April 2025 alone, averaging more than 63 messages per person, according to Robokiller.

These spams do way more harm than just clogging your inbox. They trick you into giving away personal information, clicking on malicious links, or even handing over your money. That’s why knowing how to identify a spam message is more important than ever.

This guide breaks down real spam text message examples, shows you how to recognize common red flags, and explains how services like CheckPeople.com can help protect you from falling victim.

What Counts as a Spam Text?

Not every unexpected text is spam, but many are. 

Per the law, a spam text is any unsolicited, unwanted, or irrelevant message sent to your mobile device, typically in bulk, often with malicious or deceptive intent. These messages can originate from businesses, scammers, or automated systems and may serve various purposes, from advertising to phishing for personal information.

The core features of spam text messages are:

1. Pressure to act quickly (“urgent,” “final notice”).
2. Requests for money or personal information.
3. Suspicious links or phone numbers.
4. Offers that seem too good to be true

Legitimate marketing texts from companies you’ve opted into will usually identify themselves clearly, give you the option to unsubscribe, and never ask for personal details. If a message feels off, trust your instincts, especially if it pressures you to act fast or contains links to unfamiliar websites.

Common Types of Spam Text Messages

Spam texts follow a few standard formulas. Here are some of the most common and dangerous examples you’ll encounter, with details on how they work.

Family Emergency Spam

“Hi Grandma, it’s your grandson. I got into a car accident and need money for the hospital, please send $500 to this CashApp: [CashApp ID]” 

These spams exploit emotions and create a sense of urgency. Scammers often impersonate grandchildren or close relatives in distress, hoping that panic will override skepticism. The use of cash transfer apps like CashApp or Zelle makes the money nearly impossible to recover. 

If you receive a message like this, pause and verify with a phone call to a known number before taking any action.

Free Gift Card or Prize Spam

“Congratulations! You’ve won a $100 Amazon gift card! Click here to claim your prize now: [phishing link]” 

This is a classic bait tactic. These texts often link to fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate retailers, prompting users to claim a reward. In reality, these sites steal credit card info or install malware. 

Remember, if you didn’t enter a giveaway, you didn’t win one. Avoid clicking, and report the number. 

Overpayment or Refund Spam

“You’ve overpaid $50 for a recent transaction. Click here to process your refund: [fake payment link]” 

Here, the spam flips the script. Instead of taking money, they offer to return it. But the link typically leads to a spoofed payment page designed to harvest your financial credentials. 

Real companies won’t process refunds via text, especially not without context. Always confirm refund requests through verified apps or websites.

Unknown Group Texts

“Hey, everyone! Check out this amazing deal! [suspicious link]” 

These mass texts create a false sense of trust by including multiple recipients. In reality, they’re mass-blasted phishing attempts. Clicking the link could compromise your device, and replying confirms your number is active, making you a bigger target. 

Never engage. Block and report instead.

Account or Payment Issues

“Your [streaming service] account payment failed. Please update your payment details here to continue watching: [fake streaming service login link]”

These texts mimic well-known brands like Netflix or Hulu and use fear of service disruption to pressure quick action. The links redirect to fake login pages where scammers capture your credentials. 

Real companies don’t request billing updates via text, especially not from unknown numbers. Always log in directly through the official app or website.

Suspicious Activity Alerts

“[Bank Name]: We’ve detected unusual login activity on your account. Verify it now: [phishing link]”

This spam message uses urgency and fear to prompt immediate action. The text appears to be from your bank, warning you of a potential breach. The link typically leads to a realistic-looking phishing page that captures your login info and can drain your bank account. 

Legitimate financial institutions never ask for sensitive information through unsolicited texts. Always verify suspicious activity through the official banking app or by calling customer service directly.

Fake Job Offers

“URGENT HIRING! Earn $500/day working from home. No experience needed. Apply here: [fake job application link]” 

These texts offer tempting pay for minimal effort, often with “urgent” deadlines to push recipients into hasty decisions. They might direct you to submit personal information, pay for application materials, or even hand over bank details for a “direct deposit.”

Real companies don’t recruit this way. If a job seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Credit Card Offers

“You’ve been pre-approved for a platinum credit card with 0% APR for 18 months! Apply now: [fake application link]”

Disguised as financial perks, these spam text messages lure victims with appealing credit offers. Clicking the link may lead to a fake application page that requests your Social Security number, income information, or credit card details. 

Never apply for credit through a link sent via text. Always use trusted sources, such as bank websites or established credit marketplaces.

Cryptocurrency Spam

“Insiders say [Cryptocurrency] is about to explode in value. Buy now while the price is still low: [fraud cryptocurrency link]” 

These play on the fear of missing out (FOMO), often using buzzwords like “insider tip” or “limited-time opportunity.” In many cases, they’ll link to phishing pages or pump-and-dump schemes. 

Don’t trust anonymous investment advice via text. It’s a common tactic used to exploit inexperienced crypto investors.

Fake Bank or Service Provider Messages

“This is [Bank Name]. For security reasons, please verify your account information: [phishing link]”

These messages mimic the language and tone of real institutions, often using official-sounding language and spoofed sender names. However, no legitimate bank or provider will ever ask you to verify personal information, such as your Social Security number or PIN, via text. 

If you receive a message like this, delete it and contact the bank using a verified number.

Fake Debt Collector

“URGENT: This is a final notice regarding an outstanding debt. Failure to pay will result in legal action. Contact us immediately at: [fake phone number] or visit: [suspicious link]”

This type of message aims to scare recipients into immediate payment, often referencing vague or nonexistent debts. It may use official-sounding language and legal threats, pressuring victims to call or click without verifying the details. 

Real debt collectors must provide written validation and follow strict legal guidelines. If you receive a random text threatening jail time, it’s a huge red flag.

Utility Bill Spam

“Your electricity service will be disconnected due to non-payment. Pay now: [fake payment link]” 

These messages create a sense of panic, especially if received during a workday or late at night. The link directs users to a spoofed payment portal where they are prompted to enter their credit card or bank information. 

Utility companies typically send overdue notices via email or mail and offer multiple payment reminders. They don’t threaten disconnection out of nowhere via text.

Fake 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) Codes

“Your 2FA code is 839204. If this wasn’t you, reset your password immediately at: [phishing URL]”

These messages often arrive out of context. You didn’t request a code, but now you’re worried someone else did. The goal is to create panic, prompting you to click the included link, which leads to a fake login or reset form. 

If you ever receive a 2FA code you didn’t request, ignore it and check your account security directly via the app or official website.

What to Do If You Get a Spam Text Message

Don’t reply, don’t click, and don’t panic. Block the number and report the message by forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM). 

If you’re unsure whether the sender is legitimate, use a reputable reverse phone lookup service to verify their identity. You can also run a full background check to see if the number is linked to scams or shady activity. Staying cautious and verifying unknown contacts can save you from serious fraud.

Look Closely, Spam Text Messages Examples Are Everywhere

Spam texts don’t always scream “fraud.” Sometimes they mimic your bank, your boss, or even your family. That’s why staying informed is your best line of defense. The examples we listed above are happening daily to people who thought it couldn’t happen to them.

If you ever receive a suspicious message, pause and consider verifying the sender’s authenticity. You have several tools at your disposal; don’t hesitate to use them. 

When your gut tells you something is off, it probably is. Look closely. Think twice. Never let scammers catch you off guard.