Consumers lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024, a fivefold increase from 2020, despite fewer reported incidents, according to new data released by the Federal Trade Commission on April 17, 2025. The most prevalent scam involved fake package delivery alerts, where fraudsters texted about supposed delivery issues, often luring victims to phishing links. Other common schemes included bogus job offers, fraudulent bank alerts, fake unpaid toll notices, and “wrong number” texts that evolve into romantic or investment scams.
Fake package delivery scams typically prompt users to click links to resolve nonexistent delivery problems, leading to phishing sites that steal personal information. Bogus job scams, particularly “task scams,” promise easy online work but require victims to invest money, often in cryptocurrency, with no returns. Fraudulent bank alerts warn of suspicious account activity, while fake toll scams demand immediate payment via malicious links. “Wrong number” scams start as seemingly innocent misdirected messages but build trust to pitch investment fraud.
Despite the decline in reports—down from a peak in 2022—the median loss per scam rose to $1,000 in 2024, reflecting scammers’ increasingly sophisticated tactics, the FTC noted. Text scams exploit trust in mobile communication, with 60% of reported losses tied to phishing and identity theft. The rise in losses is partly attributed to scammers leveraging AI to craft convincing messages.
The FTC advises consumers to forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to alert wireless providers, report scams via Apple iMessage or Google Messages apps, and file complaints at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. To avoid scams, consumers should never click links or reply to unsolicited texts, instead verifying claims through trusted company contacts. Filtering unwanted texts is also recommended, with carriers like Verizon and AT&T offering free blocking tools. Android and iOS devices allow users to enable spam filters or block unknown senders, reducing exposure.
The FTC’s data underscores the growing financial toll of text scams, with older adults losing a median of $1,500 per incident, though younger consumers reported higher scam frequency. Businesses like Amazon and FedEx have issued warnings about fake delivery texts, urging customers to verify claims through official channels. The FTC is collaborating with wireless carriers to enhance spam detection, but consumer vigilance remains critical.
To protect against scams, experts recommend using two-factor authentication on financial accounts and monitoring bank statements for unauthorized charges. The FTC’s ongoing efforts include public education campaigns and enforcement actions, with $3.2 billion in fraud losses recovered since 2020, though text scams remain a persistent challenge.
