Suspicious texts work because they are short and they arrive on the device people trust most. A package fee, a bank lock, a toll bill, or a family emergency can all fit in two sentences. The useful habit is the same: do not use the link or the callback number in the unexpected message.
RingMyTech teaches this inside Technology Wellness, next to the Scam Awareness Center. If you already tapped the link, go to what to do after clicking.
Patterns worth recognizing
Delivery texts say a package is waiting and ask for a small fee or an address update. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service warns people about messages that impersonate the Postal Service. Track a real package by typing the carrier's website yourself.
Bank texts say a card was used or an account is locked. Call the number on the card or a statement you already have. Grandparent texts say a grandchild needs money and asks you to keep it quiet. Call the grandchild on the number already saved in the phone. Government and toll texts that demand immediate payment by link are the same urgency pattern.
What to do with the message
Do not tap the link. Do not reply, even to say stop, until you know the thread is real. Replying can tell the sender the number is active. You can delete the message after you have decided it is not yours, or keep a screenshot if you may need to report it.
If the text claims to be from a company you use, open that company from a bookmark or an app you installed earlier. Ask the question there. The answer on the official site is the one that counts.
How families can make this easier
Agree on one sentence: if a text asks for money or a code, we call each other before we tap. Save family numbers under clear names. Show your parent how to make text larger so the link and the sender are readable. Steps for an iPhone are on making an iPhone easier to use.
A shared photo of a suspicious text is enough. You do not need to take the phone away. If they want ongoing help, they can include you through Care Circle.
If money or a code already left the phone
Contact the bank, the payment app, or the gift-card company immediately. Tell them it may be fraud. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Do not send a second payment to unlock a refund. The household steps are on what to do after sending money.
Unsure whether something is legitimate?
Read the message as it is. You do not have to decide alone, and you do not have to click first.
Sources
RingMyTech explains these topics in plain language. The agencies below publish the primary guidance.