1. A text says your parcel is held until you pay a €1.99 customs fee via a link. This is:
Answer: A scam. The small fee is bait to collect your card details, which are then used for larger charges.
2. A text from “your bank” says call this number if you didn’t make a payment. You:
Answer: Call the number on your card instead. The number in the message may lead straight to the scammer.
3. True or myth: scam texts only come from unknown numbers.
Answer: Myth. Sender names can be spoofed so fake messages appear in the same thread as real ones from your bank or delivery company.
4. A code you didn’t request arrives, then someone calls asking you to read it out. You:
Answer: Never share it. One-time codes are for you alone. Anyone asking for one is trying to get into your account.
5. The best thing to do with a scam text is:
Answer: Report it and delete it. Replying confirms your number is active. Report it to your carrier or national reporting service, then delete.
6. A friendly “Sorry, wrong number!” text turns into a chat. This is often:
Answer: The start of a long-con investment scam. Many pig-butchering scams begin with a “wrong number” message and build trust over weeks.
7. A text about an unpaid road toll with a payment link. You:
Answer: Check your account on the official toll website. Toll texts are a widespread scam. Use the official site or app, never the link.
8. You’ve “won a prize” but must pay a small fee to claim it. This is:
Answer: A scam. Real prizes don’t require you to pay to receive them.
9. The safest way to check on a delivery:
Answer: Track it in the retailer’s or courier’s own app or website. Going directly to the source avoids fake tracking pages.
10. A government text has a shortened link (like bit.ly). That’s:
Answer: A red flag. Shortened links hide the real destination. Visit the official site yourself instead.