Clicked a Scam Text Message Link? What to Do Right Now
You clicked a suspicious link in a text message about a delivery, bank alert, or toll payment. Here is what to do immediately.
Don't Panic — Assess What Happened
Clicking a link alone may not have caused damage. What matters is what you did after clicking. If you only clicked the link and then closed the page without entering any information, you are likely fine. If you entered login credentials, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or personal information on the page, take immediate action. If the link downloaded something to your phone, that needs to be removed.
If You Entered Credentials or Personal Info
Change the password for whatever account the scam was impersonating immediately. If it pretended to be your bank, call your bank and report the compromised credentials. If it asked for your Social Security number, freeze your credit at all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). If you entered a credit card number, call the card company and request a new card number. Change the password on your email account too, since many scams use stolen credentials to access email for further account takeovers.
If Something Downloaded to Your Phone
On iPhone, malicious downloads from text links are rare because iOS restricts app installations to the App Store. Delete any files that downloaded from the browser downloads. On Android, go to Settings, Apps, and look for any recently installed apps you do not recognize. Uninstall them immediately. Run a security scan using Google Play Protect (Settings, Security, Google Play Protect, Scan). If you are concerned, consider a factory reset after backing up your important data.
Report and Block the Number
Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM) — this reports it to your carrier. Block the number on your phone. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. On iPhone, you can also tap Report Junk below the message. On Android, open the message, tap the three dots, and select Report Spam or Block. Common scam texts in 2026 include fake USPS delivery notifications, fake toll payment demands, fake bank fraud alerts, and fake Amazon order confirmations.
Pro Tips
Still stuck? Talk to an expert.
Get personalized tech support help for your specific situation — just $3.
Chat with an expert — $3 →
