Smishing, or text message phishing, happens when scammers send fake text messages to trick people into sharing personal or financial information. These messages often pretend to be from trusted sources like banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. Victims may be asked to share login details, card numbers, PINs, or other private information that scammers can use to commit fraud.

How to Report Smishing

Contact the bank, government agency, or company that the scam artist is impersonating so it can alert others and work with law enforcement to investigate the activity.

Forward smishing messages to short code 7726—which spells “SPAM” on your keypad. Doing so allows cell phone carriers to identify the senders of smishing messages and take steps to limit messages from them going forward.

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). These agencies enforce the laws regarding scam calls and text messages. You may contact the FTC and FCC as follows:

Federal Trade Commission
Bureau of Consumer Protection
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20580
(877) 382-4357
TTY: (866) 653-4261
www.consumer.ftc.gov 

Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
(888) 225-5322
www.fcc.gov

For more information, contact the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison as follows:

Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 600
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area)
(800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities)
(800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay)

Americans have lost millions of dollars to Social Security scams. These scams aim to steal benefits or personal information, often by impersonating government officials. Victims are commonly targeted through two main methods:

Phone Call Scams

Many scams begin with an unexpected phone call.
A caller posing as a government employee may claim that your Social Security number has been suspended or linked to criminal activity. They’ll ask you to “confirm” your number for security reasons and may offer to issue a new one or reactivate your old one—for a fee.
By following their instructions, victims unknowingly give scammers the information needed to steal their identity.

Office Closure Scams

In another version, victims receive a fake letter claiming that their Social Security benefits will be suspended due to office closures or other emergencies.
The letter instructs them to call a phone number, where fraudsters then pressure them to share personal information or send money through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash.

How to Protect Yourself

Recognizing the signs of a scam is the best way to stay safe:

• Be cautious of any unsolicited call, email, or text asking for your Social Security number—do not share it.

• Scammers often use fear and urgency to make you act quickly. Don’t be afraid to hang up or ignore the message.

• The Social Security Administration will never:

  • Threaten to suspend your benefits, arrest you, or take legal action unless you pay a fine.

  • Request payment through gift cards, cash, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards.

If you’re unsure about a message or call, contact the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213.

The grandparent scam is a common type of impostor scam where fraudsters pretend to be a loved one in trouble.
They’ll call or message you claiming to be your grandchild or another relative who needs money urgently—often for an emergency like being stranded, in jail, or needing medical help.

Scammers may already know personal details about you, such as names, locations, or family connections, to make their story sound believable. They’ll pressure you to act fast, keep it secret, and send money through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

Stop! Don’t pay—it’s a scam. Once you send the money, it’s almost impossible to get it back.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify the caller. Hang up and call your family member directly using a number you know is real, or check with another trusted relative.

• Ask questions. Scammers rely on panic to make you act before thinking. Slow down and ask specific questions only your real family member would know.

• Protect your information. Never share personal or financial details over the phone unless you made the call and know who you’re speaking to.

• Take your time. Don’t let anyone rush you into sending money. If something feels off, trust your instincts.

• Report scams. If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Tech support scams often start with a phone call or a pop-up message claiming your computer has a virus or security problem.
Scammers may pretend to be from well-known companies like Microsoft, Apple, or Google and try to convince you to give them remote access to your device so they can “fix” the issue.

Once they gain access, they may install harmful software, demand payment for fake services, or trick you into buying bogus subscriptions. In the process, they can steal your money, personal data, and identity.

How to Protect Yourself

• Hang up immediately if someone calls unexpectedly about a computer problem.

• Ignore pop-up warnings that tell you to call a phone number—legitimate companies don’t display messages like that.

• Never share passwords or give remote access to your computer unless you initiated the contact.

• Keep your security software updated to help protect your device from real threats.

If You’ve Been Scammed

• Contact your bank right away to report fraud and review your accounts.

• Change all passwords—especially for your computer, email, and financial accounts.

• Run a full virus scan and contact your security software company for support.

• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.