SMS scams continue to evolve, and in 2026 they are more convincing than ever. Modern scam messages are refined, personalised and designed to closely resemble legitimate messages from trusted brands. That means the old red flags, like spelling mistakes and awkward wording, are no longer reliable ways to spot a scam. Instead, scammers are focusing on urgency, trust and clever impersonation to get people to act fast.

Key Warning Signs to Watch For 

Urgency and pressure 

• Scam texts are designed to trigger panic. They often warn of unpaid tolls, expiring reward points, missed deliveries or accounts about to be locked. The aim is to push you into acting quickly, before you have time to stop and assess whether the message is legitimate.
   

Links asking you to log in or “confirm details” 

• Most SMS scams rely on getting you to click a link. These links typically lead to fake websites that closely mimic legitimate ones, but are designed to steal your passwords, personal information or payment details. Reputable organisations will not ask you to log in or verify sensitive information via a text message link.
   

Requests for unusual payment methods 

• Any message asking for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency or direct bank transfers should be treated as a serious red flag. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not request payments through these methods.
   

“Too good to be true” offers 

• Messages promising large cash prizes, guaranteed high-return investments or easy job opportunities with little effort are common scam tactics. If an offer sounds unrealistic, it almost certainly is. 

Common Scam Tactics

Impersonation of trusted brands or authorities 

• Scammers frequently pose as banks, delivery services, social media platforms or government services such as tax or identity portals. These messages often use familiar branding and language and may reference services you already use to appear credible.
   

AI-driven personalisation 

• Modern scams are no longer generic. Using publicly available data, AI allows scammers to personalise messages with details such as your name, location or recent activity, making them feel relevant and harder to dismiss.
   

Enticing offers and incentives 

• Unexpected refunds, prizes or “limited-time” opportunities are commonly used to lure recipients into engaging with the message before questioning its legitimacy.

How to Protect Yourself 

Pause and verify 

• If a message feels off, stop. Contact the organisation directly using official contact details from their website or app, not the phone number or link in the text.
   

Avoid clicking links 

• Don’t tap links or download attachments from unsolicited messages, even if they look convincing.
   

Lock down your accounts 

• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on important accounts like email, banking and social media.
   

Report scam messages 

• Reporting helps authorities track and disrupt scam activity. In Australia, you can report SMS scams to Scamwatch or in New Zealand to Internal Affairs.
   

Anti-Scam Software 

• Use a security solution like Trend Micro ScamCheck that filters and blocks spam and scam messages.   

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