Ultimate Guide to SMS Phishing (Smishing) Scripts and Variations

[Student]

SMS phishing, or smishing, continues to be one of the most prevalent and effective cyber threats in 2025. According to the latest FTC data, Americans received tens of billions of spam texts this year, with reported losses from text-based scams surpassing $500 million. Smishers exploit the inherent trust people place in text messages—high open rates, perceived legitimacy from short codes or familiar-looking numbers, and the ability to spoof sender names (e.g., appearing as "USPS" or "ChaseAlert").

Scammers use short, urgent messages with malicious links that lead to fake login pages, malware downloads, or data-harvesting forms. In 2025, AI tools help generate more convincing, personalized texts (pulling names, partial account details from breaches), and multi-stage attacks combine texts with follow-up calls or emails.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the most common smishing scripts, including exact wording examples, variations, how they evolve, and why they work.

1. Bank and Payment App Fraud Alerts (By far the #1 category in 2025)​

Designed to create immediate panic about money being stolen.

Classic Scripts:

• "Chase Alert: Did you attempt a $987.42 payment to Bitcoin Depot? Reply YES/NO or secure your account: chase-verification.com/secure"
• "Bank of America: Unusual login attempt detected from [City/State]. If this wasn't you, verify immediately: boa-alerts.com/link"
• "Your Wells Fargo card ending ****4567 was charged $1,200 at Apple.com. Not you? Call 1-888-XXX-XXXX now."

Common Variations:

• One-time passcode (OTP) fishing: "Your verification code for Venmo is 482919. Use it to complete login." (Sent after scammer initiates login with your stolen credentials.)
• Zelle/P2P reversal: "You received $800 via Zelle from a mistaken sender. Return it quickly or it will be reversed: zelle-support.com/return"
• Personalized: Includes your real name, partial card number, or recent transaction amount (from data breaches).

Why it works: Plays on fear of financial loss; victims rush to "secure" accounts.

2. Package Delivery and Shipping Notifications (Surge during holidays and year-round)​

Capitalizes on frequent online shopping.

Classic Scripts:

• "USPS: Your package #1Z999AA10123456784 is on hold due to incomplete address. Update now to avoid return: usps-track.com/12345"
• "FedEx Delivery Problem: Attempt #2 failed. Pay $2.99 redelivery fee: fedex-reschedule.com/update"
• "UPS Notice: Package delayed due to customs fee of $4.50. Pay here: ups-clearance.com/pay"

Common Variations:

• Amazon impersonation: "Amazon: Issue with order #112-XXXXXXX-XXXXXXX. Confirm payment method: amazon-verification.co"
• Toll road fines: "E-ZPass: Unpaid toll $12.67. Pay before fine increases: ezpass-alert.com/pay"
• Fake tracking apps: Link prompts download of malware disguised as a tracking tool.

Why it works: People expect packages; low "fee" seems believable.

3. Gift Card, Prize, and Reward Scams​

Uses greed and excitement.

Classic Scripts:

• "Congratulations! You've been selected for a $1,000 Walmart gift card. Claim your prize: walmart-rewards.com/claim"
• "Apple Customer Survey: Complete a quick survey for a free iPhone 16 Pro: apple-feedback.com/survey"
• "Starbucks Loyalty: Your points are expiring. Redeem free drink: starbucks-rewards.net/redeem"

Common Variations:

• Retailer refund: "Best Buy: Your Geek Squad protection renewed for $499.99. To cancel and refund: bestbuy-support.com/refund"
• Costco/Sam's Club: "Exclusive member offer: $500 shopping spree. Activate: costco-member.com/offer"

4. Government and Tax-Related Scams​

Threatens legal consequences or promises refunds.

Classic Scripts:

• "IRS Notification: You are eligible for a $3,872 tax refund. Claim before expiration: irs-refund.gov/claim"
• "Social Security Administration: Your SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Reinstate: ssa-alerts.com/verify"
• "Treasury Department: Economic Impact Payment of $1,400 ready. Verify banking info: treasury-direct.com/deposit"

Common Variations:

• Medicare: "New Medicare card issued. Confirm details to activate benefits: medicare-update.com/card"
• Student loan forgiveness: "Your federal loan qualifies for forgiveness. Finalize application: studentaid-relief.com/apply"

5. Wrong Number / Relationship-Building Scams (Pig Butchering Starters)​

Long-con setups for romance or investment fraud.

Classic Scripts:

• "Hey Sarah, are you still coming to the party tonight? – Mike"
• "Hi, this is Lisa from the real estate office. Did you get the documents I sent?"
• "Oops wrong number! But hi, how's your day going? "

Common Variations:

• Gradually shifts to friendship → romance → "investment opportunity" in crypto.
• Business pretext: Pretends to be a wealthy executive needing help with a transaction.

6. Subscription and Tech Support Scams​

Fake charges or renewals.

Classic Scripts:

• "Norton Auto-Renewal: $399.99 charged for annual protection. To cancel: norton-support.com/cancel"
• "McAfee Subscription: Your plan renewed for $449. Dispute charge: mcafee-billing.com/dispute"
• "Your Netflix account is on hold due to payment issue. Update card: netflix-billing.com/fix"

Advanced Protection Strategies (2025 Best Practices)​

• Never click links or reply: Even replying "STOP" confirms your number is active.
• Verify independently: Go directly to the official app or website (type the URL yourself) or call the number on the back of your card/official site.
• Enable built-in filters:
  • iPhone: Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders.
  • Android: Google Messages > Enable Spam Protection.
• Report immediately:
  • Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) – helps carriers block.
• Use third-party apps: Robokiller, Nomorobo, or carrier-level blocking tools.
• Limit personal info exposure: Avoid posting phone number publicly; use privacy settings on social media.
• Watch for multi-channel attacks: A smishing text may be followed by a phone call from a "fraud department."

Smishing succeeds because texts feel personal and urgent. The golden rule: Any unsolicited text asking you to click a link, call a number, or provide information is almost certainly a scam. Stay skeptical, pause before acting, and verify through official channels only.

If you receive a suspicious text, screenshot it (without clicking) and share with family/friends to spread awareness. Knowledge of these exact scripts is one of the most effective defenses. Stay safe out there!