Scam texts and emails are getting more convincing every day.
They look like they’re from your bank.
From Amazon.
From the post office.
Even from your own email provider.
If you’ve ever opened a message and thought, “Is this real?” — you are not alone.
Let’s walk through exactly how to spot a scam text or email, and what to do if you already clicked something.
Take a breath. You can protect yourself.
First: The 7 Biggest Scam Warning Signs
1. Urgency or Pressure
Scammers want you to panic.
They’ll say things like:
-
“Your account will be locked in 24 hours.”
-
“Immediate action required.”
-
“Final warning.”
Real companies rarely threaten you by text.
2. Requests for Personal Information
Legitimate companies will not ask you to send:
-
Passwords
-
Verification codes
-
Social Security numbers
-
Gift card numbers
If someone asks for those in a message, it’s a scam.
3. Strange Email Addresses or Phone Numbers
Look closely at the sender.
Instead of:
support@yourbank.com
You might see:
support-alert-verify247@gmail.com
That’s a red flag.
4. Links That Don’t Match
On a phone, press and hold the link (don’t tap it).
On a computer, hover your mouse over it.
Does the web address look strange?
Misspelled?
Extra words added?
If it doesn’t clearly match the company’s real website, don’t click it.
5. Poor Spelling or Grammar
Many scam messages contain:
-
Odd sentence structure
-
Random capital letters
-
Awkward wording
Professional companies proofread their communications.
6. Payment Requests in Gift Cards or Cryptocurrency
No legitimate business will demand:
-
Apple gift cards
-
Google Play cards
-
Bitcoin payments
That is always a scam.
7. “Too Good to Be True” Offers
“You’ve won a prize!”
“You’re owed a refund!”
“Exclusive limited reward!”
If you didn’t enter anything or request anything, be skeptical.
What To Do If You Already Clicked a Scam Link
First: Don’t panic.
Clicking a link does not automatically ruin your phone or computer.
Here’s what to do next.
If You Clicked But Didn’t Enter Information:
-
Close the page immediately.
-
Do not download anything.
-
Clear your browser history.
You are likely fine.
If You Entered Your Password:
Immediately change that password.
Change it anywhere else you used the same one.
Turn on two-factor authentication.
If you need help resetting your password, follow this step-by-step guide:
(Internal link to your password recovery article here.)
If You Entered Bank or Credit Card Information:
-
Call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card.
-
Tell them you may have entered information on a phishing site.
-
Monitor your account closely.
Banks deal with this every day. You will not be judged.
How To Prevent Scam Messages in the Future
Here are simple ways to reduce your risk:
-
Turn on two-factor authentication.
-
Never share verification codes with anyone.
-
Let unknown calls go to voicemail.
-
Delete suspicious texts instead of replying.
-
When in doubt, go directly to the company’s official website instead of using links in messages.
A Quick Reminder
Scammers are professionals.
They are trained to sound convincing.
If you felt unsure, confused, or pressured — that’s exactly what they were trying to do.
You are not foolish. You are human.
When You’re Not Sure, Ask
If you ever receive a message and think:
“Is this real?”
Don’t guess.
That’s exactly what Tech with Tessa is here for.
You can copy and paste the message, describe what you’re seeing, and get calm, step-by-step guidance.
No embarrassment. No judgment. Just clarity.