SMiShing and other texting scams

SMiShing is phishing through text messages. Fraudsters use this and other scams to get your personal info and more.

Defend yourself against texting scams

Be cautious of text messages asking for your personal, account, or credit card info. Don’t click on any text message asking for your personal info or your credit card details.

Report SMiShing right away! Here’s how:

Forward the suspicious text to us at 7726. Messages forwarded to 7726 are free. They don't count toward your text plan. If you can’t see the number, forward the entire message to abuse@att.net.
Report spam and fraud text to us.
Send a suspicious text message to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org, or report it to the FTC.
Go to IdentityTheft.gov to learn more about this kind of criminal activity and how to stop it.

Mobile security

The AT&T ActiveArmor^SM mobile security app scans your mobile device and all apps for malware. It looks for Trojans, worms, spyware, and other suspicious software. Mobile Security scans on demand and every time you download a new app. If you select Monitor File Settings, mobile security also constantly checks your files for anything suspicious. Learn how to get AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security.

Common text scams

SMiShing

SMiShing is phishing that uses text messages to lead you to fake websites. Then, identity thieves try to steal your personal info, including credit card or bank details.

Be aware that company logos and electronic signatures can be forged, so the sender may be an imposter and not the real company or individual.
Don’t fill out forms attached to emails or text messages. Go directly to the company's real website and fill out information there. Internet scammers can create good-looking fake websites. Don’t be fooled.
Never click on links in a text message you didn’t ask for or from a number you don’t recognize.
Make sure a website is secure by checking to see whether there is an "s" after the http in the address. Also look for a lock icon at the bottom of the screen. Both of these mean that the site is secure.

AT&T Rewards scams

AT&T customers are sometimes targeted by scammers. These thieves want to get into your myAT&T account so they can make changes, order equipment, or get your personal information.

Here’s an example of a scam message with a fake AT&T reward offer: “www.att620.com - Simply sign in to your account to redeem your $620. At AT&T we care about you. Thank you and have a nice day.”

If you suspect a text message is SMiShing:

Don't open the text message, or click on any links within it.
Don't give your username or password.
Go to att.com and search using keywords from the message to see if you can find the offer.

Spam text messages

Spam text messages are ads you didn’t ask to see. These messages count against your text plan. Don't respond to a spam message. If you reply or click on it, then the spammer knows that your number works.

Last updated: October 9, 2023