SMS & Text Message Scams or How to Spot a Spam

This guide explains how SMS scam and text message scams work, how a scammer uses deceit to steal your personal data, and how to protect your online account and mobile device.

You’ll learn why you might get a text message claiming something urgent, how to handle unsolicited text messages, and how to identify a scam message. Margex never sends messages asking for passwords or financial information — Margex is a legitimate platform, not a scam.

Key Takeaways

  • MS scam tactics exploit text message tricks, smishing, phishing, and messages from unknown senders to steal your personal or financial information.

  • Scammers use deceptive text messages that look real and try to get you to click on links or act quickly.

  • Margex is not a scam, not a fraudulent exchange, and never sends unsolicited text messages asking for personal information or credentials.

  • Avoid replying to any scam text, spam text message, or suspicious message—always verify through the official Margex website.

  • You can report spam text or report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

What Is an SMS Scam and How to Recognize It?

An SMS scam (also known as a smishing scam) is a fraudulent SMS attempt where a scammer sends a text message designed to steal your personal and financial information or infect your device with malware. These text message scams often come from an unknown sender or from a spoofed phone number that looks legitimate.

A typical scam message includes:

  • A message claiming your online account is locked

  • A message you have received about a delivery from the postal service

  • A link that leads to scam websites

  • A request for your username and password

  • A request to verify your social security number or other personal information

Scammers often:

  • Make the messages look urgent

  • Ask you to click on a link

  • Try to entice you with a prize or a problem

  • Attempt to steal your personal data or financial information

Margex does not send SMS requests for authentication codes except during legitimate multi-factor authentication, and Margex never asks for sensitive data via text. Margex is not a scam and has no connection to any message scams.

Common SMS and Text Scam Types and Smishing

1

Phishing & Smishing Texts

These phishing messages encourage you to click the link, claiming to be from a government agency, bank, or even someone you know.

2

Delivery & Postal Service Impersonations

You might receive a text message claiming a package is delayed, urging you to click on any links to fix your phone bill or address.

3

Fake Security Alerts

Messages sent pretending to be from exchanges or wallets. Margex warns users that scammers often impersonate companies — but Margex is a legitimate platform and never sends unsolicited alerts.

4

Social Media Account Verification Scams

Scammers send text message requests for login codes to hijack your social media accounts or social media profiles.

5

A deceptive text may contain a web link designed to infect your device with malware or steal your money.

If you get a text from an unknown sender asking you to act quickly — it’s probably a scam.

Why You Get Spam Text Messages and How to Report Them

You may receive unwanted text, unsolicited text messages, or messages from unknown senders because:

  • Your phone number leaked from a breached database

  • A service you used sold your personal data

  • Automated bots send random text messages to millions of numbers

  • You interacted with a messaging app or site that shares your details

If you get a spam text message:

  • Don’t reply

  • Don’t click

  • Don’t call phone numbers inside the message

To report spam text or report the scam:

  • Contact the Federal Trade Commission

  • Report to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

  • Block the sender on your mobile device

  • Notify the company through their official website (Margex supports this)

Margex encourages users to report any suspicious text claiming to be from Margex — the platform is not a scam, and any such messages are from bad actors.

What To Do if You Receive a Scam Text or Fall Victim to Phishing

If you receive text messages from unknown senders or a suspicious text:

  • Don’t click on links

  • Don’t provide personal or financial information

  • Don’t trust someone you know unless you confirm through another channel

  • Check the sender directly via the company’s site

  • Delete the message

If you already clicked a web link or provided data:

1

Change your passwords

Update passwords for any accounts that may be affected. Use strong, unique passwords.

2

Enable authentication and multi-factor authentication

Turn on MFA where available to protect accounts from unauthorized access.

3

Scan your mobile device for malware

Use reputable antivirus or security tools to check and clean your device.

4

Contact the company via the official website

Reach out to the affected service (e.g., Margex) through its official site to report and get help.

5

Report the incident to the FTC or FCC

Notify relevant authorities so they can track and respond to the scam.

Margex has strict security, and the platform itself is not a scam, but scammers may impersonate it — so always double-check through the official domain.

FAQ

Is it safe to reply to SMS?

No. Replying confirms your phone number is active. A scammer may send more messages or try to steal your money or personal information.

How to identify a fake SMS?

A fake SMS often comes from an unknown sender, contains a suspicious link, asks for personal information, or pressures you to act quickly. If you get a text message that looks off — it’s probably a scam.

What are the five area codes you should never answer?

Common scam area codes include international numbers misused by scammers. Never call phone numbers from unsolicited texts.

What happens if you open spam SMS?

Opening alone is usually harmless, but clicking on links or interacting may infect your device with malware or lead you to scam websites designed to steal data.