Spam Text Statistics for 2026 & Spam Text Messages Examples | SlickText

Key Findings: Spam Text Statistics for 2026

Spam texts have become a daily frustration for millions of Americans. Scammers continue to use text messages because they’re inexpensive, easy to automate, and effective at getting people to click quickly. From fake package delivery notices to bogus toll alerts and job scams, spam texts remain one of the most common forms of mobile fraud today.

1. In February 2025, Americans received an estimated 19.2 billion spam texts, according to Robokiller data.
2. In 2024, consumers reported losing $470 million to scams that started with text messages, more than five times the amount reported in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
3. The most commonly reported text scam in 2024 involved fake package delivery problems, according to FTC scam data.
4. In the first half of 2023, Americans received 78 billion robotexts, an 18% increase from the same period in 2022, according to Robokiller’s 2023 mid-year phone scam report.
5. During that same period, Americans received 31 billion robocalls, a 21% decrease from the first half of 2022, according to Robokiller’s phone scam research.
6. Other common text scams included bogus job opportunities, fake fraud alerts, unpaid toll notices, and wrong-number scams, according to FTC reporting on top text scams.



Definition of Spam Text Messages

Spam text messages, also known as “smishing” (SMS phishing), are unsolicited text messages sent to mobile devices with the intention of deceiving or manipulating the recipient. These messages often aim to extract personal or financial information or install malware on the recipient’s device. Typically, spam text messages appear to come from trusted organizations, businesses, or even family members, but they are actually sent by scammers using automated systems or spoofed phone numbers. The goal is to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.

Types of Spam Text Messages

There are several types of spam text messages, each with its own deceptive tactics:

• Phishing Messages: These texts attempt to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details. They often mimic legitimate organizations to gain your trust.
• Malware Messages: These contain links or attachments that, when clicked or opened, install malware on your device. This malware can compromise your personal data and device security.
• Scam Messages: These texts deceive you into sending money or providing personal information in exchange for a fake prize or service. They often create a sense of urgency to prompt quick action.
• Spam Advertising Messages: These promote a product or service, often with suspicious or misleading offers. They can be particularly annoying and persistent.

States With the Most Spam Texts

Depending on where you live, you might see more spam texts than average. Here are the top five targeted states as of December 2023. 

Estimated monthly spam texts for the the top five states in 2023:

1. California: 2,508,555,874
2. Texas: 1,834,538,700
3. Florida: 1,179,739,042
4. New York:1,040,280,796
5. Pennsylvania: 719,015,850



 

Phone Spam & Spam Texting Statistics & Trends

Here are the scams and fake messages you should be on the lookout for, as well as the most targeted demographics. 

The top five most popular text scams in 2023 dealt with:

• Banking Impersonation: 10%
• Free Gifts or Rewards: 9%
• Fake Package Delivery Problems: 9%
• Phony Job Offers: 8%
• Fake Amazon Security Alerts: 7%

Popular scam texting trends:

1. 59.4% of spam recipients in 2021 were male, while 38.3% were female. 
2. The most targeted age range for phone spam is 35-44 for men and 18-34 for women. The least targeted age range for both genders was 65 and up.  
3. More recently, smishers have utilized phishing text messages, including fake two-factor authentication messages to steal personal information. 
4. Hackers also tend to use local area codes like 10DLCs or spoof numbers you might recognize in order to gain trust. 



 

The Financial Cost of Spam Texts

Not only can you lose vital personal information in a spam attack, but it can also be detrimental to your personal finances. 

1. Perhaps surprisingly, younger people have reported losing money to overall fraud more than older generations. In 2021, people ages 20-29 lost money 41% of the time they were exposed to fraud, while those over 80 only lost money 17% of the time. When older people lose money, however, the median amount is $1,500, which is three times the amount lost by young people. 
2. The median amount of money lost from a phone scam in 2023 was $1,480. In 2020, that number was only $351.
3. In 2023, 2.6 million fraud reports were processed, totaling $10 billion in financial losses.



Identifying and Reporting Spam Text Messages

To protect yourself from spam text messages, it’s essential to recognize the red flags:

• Unsolicited Messages from Unknown Senders: Be cautious of texts from numbers you don’t recognize.
• Suspicious Links or Attachments: Avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
• Requests for Personal or Financial Information: Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information via text.
• Urgency or Fear Tactics: Messages that create a sense of urgency or fear are often scams.
• Poor Grammar or Spelling: Many spam texts contain noticeable errors.

If you receive a spam text message, do not respond or click on any links. Instead, report the message to your carrier or messaging app and block the sender’s phone number. This helps prevent further spam and protects others from falling victim.

The Risks of Spam Text Messages

Engaging with spam text messages can lead to several serious risks:

• Identity Theft: Phishing messages can steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details, leading to identity theft.
• Financial Loss: Scam messages may trick you into sending money or providing financial information, resulting in financial loss.
• Malware Infection: Clicking on links in malware messages can install harmful software on your device, compromising your data and security.
• Emotional Distress: Spam text messages can cause significant emotional distress, especially if they are threatening or harassing in nature.

What to Do If You Fall Victim to a Spam Text

If you fall victim to a spam text message, take the following steps to mitigate the damage:

• Report the Incident: Notify your carrier or messaging app about the spam text.
• Block the Sender: Block the sender’s phone number to prevent further messages.
• Change Your Passwords: Update your passwords and login credentials to secure your accounts.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
• Install Anti-Malware Software: Consider installing anti-malware software on your device to protect against future threats.
• Educate Yourself: Learn how to identify and avoid spam text messages to prevent future incidents.

By following these steps, you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of spam text messages and reduce the risk of falling victim again.

Spam Text Message Examples

Spam texts have costly consequences if you engage with them, but how do you identify a fake message? Many spam texts mimic the wording and offers you’d receive in a promotional text, while others copy mass texts for services and deliveries.

Here are some common examples of what a text message scam might look like. Knowing what to look for can help you stop getting spam texts in the future.

1. Prize/Money Awards: “Congratulations! You’ve won a $500 gift card to Target. Click here to claim your reward.”
2. Package Delivery Notifications: “Hello [Name], your shipment from UPS will arrive today. Click here to track your package.”
3. Banking Verification Texts: “Your Wells Fargo account has been locked for suspicious activity. Please log in here and verify your account.”
4. Gift Card Scams: “Hey, this is [Name]. I’m in a meeting, but I need you to order 5 Amazon gift cards ASAP. I’ll reimburse you once you send them to this email address.”
5. Billing Statements: “[Name], your Verizon billing statement is ready. Please review your charges and send full payment by [date] to avoid late fees.”

How Do You Stop Getting Spam Texts?

At their best, spam texts are simply annoying, but at their worst, they can be a gateway to fraud, identity theft, and cyber crimes — all of which can cost you precious time and money. 

So how do you black spam messages and stop getting spam texts? While there’s no 100% foolproof solution, there are a few things you can do to ensure you only receive the SMS messages you signed up for. 

• Block the sender

Once you block spam messages from a number, you won’t receive any calls or texts from them again. On an iPhone, click on the contact that the text came from. When you open the contact card, the Info tab will give you the option to block the number. On an Android, press the three buttons in the top corner of the screen, then select “block and report spam.” 

There’s no limit to the amount of numbers you can block, so you can do this anytime you get unwanted text messages. 

• Notify your carrier

If a carrier knows that a number is sending spam, they’ll investigate and block them from sending any more messages. All you have to do is forward the spam text you received to 7726 — this works for most major cell phone providers, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. 

• Reply stop

While replying STOP to some spam texts may not work, there’s a chance the spam is from a service you signed up for at one point in time. If that’s the case, then legitimate short codes give you the option to opt-out by simply replying STOP. 

• Use a spam-blocking app or setting

These days, most phones come with spam-blocking capabilities built in. If you’re on an iPhone, you can go to your settings, select “Messages,” then scroll down until you find the option to filter unknown senders and toggle it on. On Android, open your messages, and click the three dots in the corner. Then, select “Details” and navigate to “App Settings,” then “Spam Protection.” Finally, toggle “Enable Spam Protection” on. Some carriers offer their own spam protection services for free or at a slight charge, like Verizon’s Call Filter and T-Mobile’s Scam Shield.

If you can’t access this setting on your phone or you want another layer of protection, you can download a third-party app. Free and paid options include:

• SpamHound (Free)
• SMS Spam Stopper ($2.99)
• RoboKiller ($3.99/month or $29.99/year)
• NoMoRobo ($1.99/month or $19.99/year)
• Truecaller (Free and paid options)

• Report the sender to the FTC and FCC

In 2019, a bipartisan bill called the TRACED Act expanded the FCC and Justice Department’s ability to combat scam texting and robocallers. In 2021, the FCC even created a task force called the “Robocall Response Team.” 

As part of their increased efforts to crack down on scam texting and calling, the FTC and FCC allow people to submit complaints which are then investigated by law enforcement.

• Add your number to the Do Not Call list

Another tool utilized by the FTC is the National Do Not Call list. You can register your number for free, and if you keep receiving spam calls after 31 days, you can file an official report. 

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