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Action Guide Calls, Texts & Voicemail Reviewed Sep 6, 2026 Source: Federal Trade Commission

Spam Texts, Smishing and Suspicious Links

What to do when a text says your package, bank account, toll, refund, benefit or payment needs urgent action.

Start With First Steps Evidence Checklist Reporting Path Open Defentra
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01

Right Summary

The main consumer right or issue explained fast

Spam texts and phishing messages try to make consumers click links, enter login credentials, share personal information or make urgent payments.

02

What This Means

Plain-English breakdown of the problem

These messages often impersonate delivery companies, banks, toll agencies, government programs, streaming services, employers or payment apps. The link may lead to a fake login or payment page.

03

What To Save

Evidence that can matter later
Proof Receipts, bills, letters, emails, screenshots, account records, photos, videos or notices.
Timeline Dates, times, names, phone numbers, websites, payment details and support case numbers.
Responses Save every reply from the business, bank, collector, agency, platform or provider.

Save the full message, sender number, link, screenshots, webpage screenshot, date/time and anything entered before you realized it was suspicious.

04

What To Do First

The first clean action path

Do not click the link. Open the official website directly. Change passwords if credentials were entered. Watch accounts and report the message.

05

What Not To Do

Common mistakes that can make the issue worse

Do not reply with STOP unless you know it is a legitimate service. Do not enter bank logins, security codes or SSN through message links.

06

Where To Report Or Escalate

Possible complaint, agency, company or platform paths

FTC ReportFraud.gov for scams, FCC for unwanted texts, bank/provider if an account was involved.

08

Defentra / Elite Action

How this resource connects to evidence, scanning and action

Use Defentra scanner and SMS protection to analyze the message, link and sender.

Open Defentra Report A Scam Elite Support
09

Source / Review File

Internal quality and trust signals
Resource Type Action Guide
Resource Area Calls, Texts & Voicemail
Last Reviewed Sep 6, 2026
Primary Source Federal Trade Commission
10

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Educational Notice

Important limitation

This resource is educational and organizational. It is not legal advice, financial advice or a guarantee of any outcome. Rights, deadlines, reporting paths and requirements can vary by state, account type, product, service, contract, agency rules and case facts.