Text Message Scams Cost Americans $470 Million in 2024, FTC Says

The scams are increasingly targeting businesses and using tactics such as fake fraud alerts and bogus job offers.

Three girls use their smartphones at a park in a stock photo. Josep Suria/Shutterstock

Scammers defrauded Americans of $470 million through text messages in 2024, a fivefold increase over losses reported in 2020, according to new data released by the Federal Trade Commission.

The agency’s latest Consumer Protection Data Spotlight shows that even as the number of reported incidents declined, the total dollar amount lost surged to a record high. Fake package delivery notices were the most frequently reported scam, followed by bogus job opportunities and fraudulent bank alerts.

“Wrong number” texts—sometimes designed to lead into romantic or investment scams—also ranked among the most common schemes. In many cases, messages appear to be sent by well-known businesses, toll services, or financial institutions.

The FTC is also warning that businesses and their employees are increasingly being targeted. In a separate consumer alert released Wednesday, the agency said scammers are impersonating legitimate company names to promote fake job offers or send bogus notices about charges and toll payments.

One common scheme involves fake fraud alerts designed to look like they’re from a bank or credit card company. The texts often contain urgent language and a phone number. People who respond may be connected with scammers who pressure them to move funds into supposed “safe” accounts—accounts controlled by the fraudsters.

The agency warns that the bogus unpaid toll notice scams often look like official communications from highway or transportation authorities and claim immediate payment is needed to avoid fines or late fees.

“Pause for a moment. One of the top tricks in the scammer playbook is to apply pressure to act quickly,” the agency’s alert said. “If someone you don’t know texts to say there’s an urgent problem or demands you pay immediately, take a minute to do some research and check in with someone you trust.”

The agency is encouraging businesses to report impersonation attempts at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

“Don’t click on links or respond to unexpected texts,” the agency added. “If you don’t recognize the texter or expect the communication, stop and do your due diligence. Run a search for the business that claims to be contacting you, and call or email the business directly using contact information you know is correct or find on its verified website. Don’t click the link or call the number in the text.”

Suspicious messages can be forwarded to 7726 (SPAM) to help wireless carriers block future scam campaigns. Reports can also be submitted through the Apple iMessage or Google Messages app, or directly to the FTC.

The agency said it will continue monitoring the trend, which has proven costly to both individuals and companies.