AT&T Spam Text: How to Identify and Avoid Scam Texts

1. Common Fake AT&T Text Messages
2. What to Do if You Receive AT&T Spam Text
3. Genuine AT&T Texts
4. How to Block AT&T Spam Text 
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Texts are one of the latest ways the bad guys try to steal our personal info. If you're an AT&T customer, you've likely received a suspicious text message or two, including some that look like they're sent from AT&T, but are in fact AT&T spam text or fake messages.

If you're ever unsure if a text message is legitimate or not, don't click on the link included or call any numbers listed. To avoid being tricked by a scammer, learn how to identify fake AT&T text messages and block spam messages from appearing in your inbox.

Common Fake AT&T Text Messages

There are several different versions of fake AT&T messages being sent around, and new versions will surely pop up as time passes.

The URL included in the texts is a dead giveaway that these suspicious text messages are scams. If the URL doesn't take you to an ATT.com page, it's a scam.

Confirmation of Bill Payment: The Little Gift

One of the most common text message scams targeting AT&T customers involves a text notification telling you that your AT&T phone bill has been paid. The text message will tell you to click on a link to receive a "little gift."

Example of a Fake AT&T Text

AT&T Free Msg: Sorry for the coverage issues on October 13, Robert! Here's a little gift: z4ke.info/O9RR2w57vT

Don't click on the link! You'll be taken to a fake AT&T website designed to steal your personal info if you do. These fake websites may look just like the actual AT&T login page—the scammer is trying to trick you into entering your personal information. They will then steal this info and use it to commit identity fraud.

Giveaways

Other texts are being sent to AT&T customers urging you to join a giveaway. These messages are common around the holiday season and usually mention high-value items like iPads, TVs, and sought-after products.

Example of a Fake AT&T Text Message

AT&T Free Msg: You came 1st in the Connecticut AT&T CONTEST! Claim your bounty here: s1fxm.info/3VFDlhFWXH, or show this code at AT&T store 1z55175

Coverage Issues: Compensation

Some AT&T scam messages also mention coverage issues. They apologize for coverage issues and offer compensation for the inconvenience. They will direct you to click on a link—again, this will not be a legitimate ATT.com website.

Example of AT&T Spam Text

'20 Holiday special for AT&T clients: previous iPads given away to make room for th new Pro 12.9" iPads. 11 units left, Danilo: m4fxv.info/ULUAJOcbHp

Links to Fake Websites

The most common goal for the scammers in these fake AT&T messages is to get you to enter your account information and other sensitive data into a fraudulent website. They will design the website to look just like the genuine AT&T site, but there will be some tell-tale signs of a fake that you should look for.

These websites may ask for information such as:

• Your credit card information
• Your username and password for your AT&T account
• Your phone number

What to Do if You Receive AT&T Spam Text

When receiving texts, the best rule of thumb is to only open text messages from people or companies that you know. Luckily, opening a text message won't harm your device or put your information at risk. It's what you do next that counts.

Once you open the text from the unknown sender and realize it's a scam, just delete it (or report it). If it asks you to respond, don't. Responding will let the scammer know that this phone number is active, and they will continue to send you fraudulent texts, impersonating legitimate companies.

When receiving fraudulent or suspicious messages:

• Delete the message.
• Don't click the link or call the phone number listed.
• If you do click the link, don't enter any information into the website. Close your web browser.

If you want to check the status of your AT&T account, simply log into your account directly from your AT&T app or via the ATT.com website. Don't send personal information or account information to the scammers or enter it onto fake websites.

Genuine AT&T Texts

AT&T does send texts to its customers from time to time—if you're ever unsure if they're legitimate or not, just look at the URL included. For example, if it's taking you to an ATT.com page, then it's legitimate.

Here are some examples of authentic AT&T texts.

How to Block AT&T Spam Text 

If you're sick of receiving spam messages, there are a few things you can do to stop them:

• Filter out spam messages in your Message App settings: Depending on your phone, you can either filter out spam messages, so they are diverted into a spam folder or filter out all text messages from numbers you don't know. Although the spam message will still be sent to you, it won't appear in your inbox, and you won't receive a notification.
• Report spam texts to AT&T: When you receive a spam or suspicious message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM). AT&T will investigate the sender.
• Use a spam-blocker app: Various mobile apps are available to stop fake AT&T texts from reaching your Message folder.

Other Types of Scam Texts to Be Aware Of

Scammers are sending more and more scam text messages pretending to be from legitimate companies and banks:

• Amazon
• Amex
• Apple
• AT&T
• Capital One
• Chase
• Citibank
• Citizens Bank
• Fedex
• Navy Federal
• Netflix
• PayPal
• Truist
• UPS
• Venmo
• Verizon
• Walmart
• Wells Fargo

Don't click on links within these texts or call the phone number listed. You should always find the genuine number for the company on their official website.