Text Message Schemes & What to Know

September 2025

As technology evolves, so do the tactics fraudsters use. With texting now a primary way people communicate, scammers are using it more than ever to try and gain access to your information.So how can you protect yourself and your finances? It starts with awareness. As Ernie LaRoche, Manager of Financial Security & Payment Solutions, explains:

Our fraud prevention team is here to help you stay alert by sharing what to watch for, steps you can take to help protect yourself from these common phone scams, and what to do if you suspect your account is at risk.

$470 Million Lost to Text Scams

Text message fraud is a growing concern, and it’s a trend our experts are watching closely. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $470 million as a result of falling victim to text message fraud in 2024. That’s five times more than the total losses reported in 2020.

But what do these scams look like in 2025? Let’s break down the most common schemes, so you know exactly what to watch for and how to protect yourself.

Phishing Scams: What You Need to Know

Phishing is a type of fraud where fraudsters impersonate trusted companies or organizations through emails, texts, letters, or phone calls. Their goal? To steal your personal information, like passwords, credit and debit card numbers, or other sensitive data that will provide scammers with access to your accounts.

Phishing scams come in many forms, especially through text messages. Here are some notable examples to watch out for.

Fraud in Transit

Fake unpaid tolls: This is when you receive a text “from” EZPass, or other states’ toll pass equivalent, saying you have unpaid tolls that will affect your vehicle or license. They may even threaten legal action against you.

DMV impersonation: Schemers will pretend to be the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), claiming you have a ticket. They might say your license is at risk of being suspended.

Fake package deliveries: This is when fraudsters allege that there is a package for you, often claiming to be USPS. The text will give you a link to “track your package." Some package delivery scams will claim your package could not be delivered, prompting you to click on a link to "resolve" the issue.

Key Takeaway: Don’t click on links or share any personal information in unsolicited text messages. If you’re unsure whether a text is legitimate, reach out to the organization directly using a trusted contact method, such as their official website or phone number.

Fraudsters Are “Hiring”

False job opportunities: Some fraudsters are taking advantage of the current job market by posting fake job opportunities, “interviewing” candidates, and “hiring” them. Then, they’ll ask for your bank information so they can “pay” you.

Task scams: This is when fraudsters claim to offer money to repeat simple, repetitive tasks — such as liking posts online — for commission. Eventually, you’ll be asked to invest your own money to get paid.

Key takeaway: Be cautious with job opportunities that seem too good to be true, especially if the fake employer only communicates through messaging apps, like WhatsApp, or by text, without ever speaking to you directly. Legitimate employers won’t ask you to pay money upfront to receive what you're owed.

Friend or Fraud?

Romance schemes: This is when a fraudster will create a “relationship” with you, build trust over time and eventually ask you for money or assistance with obtaining travel or paying taxes, to name some examples. Ultimately, they use emotional urgency to trick you into helping them financially.

“Wrong number” texts: Schemers will act like they’ve accidentally texted you. Then, they’ll start a conversation and gradually try to extort information or finances from you.

Key takeaway: Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person, and always ignore requests to receive or transfer money on behalf of others. Additionally, if anyone tells you not to share information with your financial institution, consider it a major red flag.

Fraud...About Fraud

Fake fraud alerts: You may receive a text message from a fraudster impersonating a financial institution, maybe even claiming to be ESL, saying that fraud has been detected on your account. They’ll claim an unexpected charge was made to your account and offer to “help” you. Fraudsters may even leverage a tactic called phone number spoofing to change the identity of the phone they’re texting from to make it look like a legitimate organization, such as ESL.

Key takeaway: If you receive an ESL fraud prevention text message alert, we will contact you from 86975. Stay wary of unsolicited text messages, and when in doubt, call our team if you have any questions — you can reach us at 585.336.1000. You can also check your account activity through ESL Mobile and Online Banking.