Opening a text message itself is usually safe, but it can become harmful if you interact with it by clicking links, downloading attachments, or replying, as this can lead to malware, phishing scams, and identity theft by tricking you into revealing personal info or compromising your device. The real danger isn't the opening, but the actions scammers prompt you to take within the message.
These programs are also set to send out other phishing messages to your contacts and can even give remote access to your device to a cybercriminal. It's also pretty usual that the link in a scam text message also leads to a fake website, usually created to steal your personal information or even take money from you.
What's the best way to avoid scams if you're getting messages from numbers you don't recognize? Don't reply to text messages from unknown numbers. It could lead to a scam.
Scammers send fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information — things like your password, account number, or Social Security number. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts.
Unfamiliar apps, losing access to your accounts, call and messaging features that suddenly stop working, and performance issues — such as apps crashing, a hot or loud device, and reduced battery life — are all common signs that your phone has been hacked.
Can I run a test to see if my phone is hacked? Yes, running an antivirus scan using a mobile security app like Norton 360 Deluxe can help you identify malware infections that could be granting hackers access to your device or data.
While you can't get hacked immediately by responding to a scam text, you may be exposed to the risk of hacking or malware if you click a malicious link or download a suspicious attachment.
Common Text Scams
Here's how to help protect yourself: Only open text messages from someone you know and trust. Don't send personal information by replying to a text from an unknown sender. Always go directly to a company's website, not the link included in the text message.
If your phone is being monitored remotely, you might notice your battery draining quickly, spot unfamiliar apps, or your camera, microphone, or location turning on when you're not using them.
Does Turning Your Phone Off Stop Hackers? For most people, yes. Everyday malware and common scams can't touch a device once the operating system shuts down. That's why rebooting often clears suspicious behavior; it kills anything living in memory.
Don't Reply: Don't engage with the sender by replying to the message. This confirms your phone number is active and opens you up to further messages. Report the Scam: Most phone providers allow you to report spam messages. Forward the suspicious text to your carrier's spam reporting number.
Here's what to do if you unintentionally answer a spam call: Hang up right away. If you think scammers are targeting you, hang up before they can record your voice or get any information. As a best practice, don't answer unknown numbers.
Typically, nothing will happen by simply opening a spam text. The danger in spam texts typically lies in responding or accidentally tapping malicious links that could install malware or steal your personal information.
If you think you have been tricked into acting on a phishing message, change your online credentials immediately. This applies to all online accounts—email, online banking, social media, shopping accounts, you name it. Do not make the mistake of using the same username and password for all your online accounts.
Most spam texts are just unwanted promotions, but some could be scammers trying to steal your personal information. Either way, ignore the message and block the number.
Dial *#21# to check if your phone is tapped.
Dial *#21# on your iPhone to check if a third party is intercepting your calls, messages, or data. This is another useful code to know if someone is monitoring your calls. This code reveals if voice, data, SMS, and other services are forwarded to another number.
Dialing *#21# on your phone uses a USSD code to check the status of your unconditional call forwarding, revealing if all your calls, data, or texts are being redirected to another number without your knowledge, which can happen if someone accesses your settings. It's not a definitive hack detector, but it quickly shows if a carrier-level setting is diverting your communications, potentially to intercept sensitive information like 2FA codes, and can be disabled with ##21#.
How to stop your phone from being tracked
No, you can't get hacked by responding to a text message — but that doesn't mean it's entirely safe to reply to spam texts. Once scammers know that you respond to unknown numbers, they'll target you with other more dangerous scams — which could be much harder to evade.
Common scammer phrases create urgency, promise rewards, threaten consequences, or build fake intimacy, using language like "Act Now," "You've Won," "Problem with your account," "Soulmate," "If you love me," "Would you kindly," or "Don't tell anyone" to manipulate victims into revealing personal info or sending money. They often use awkward grammar, unusual spelling (like "British English"), and demand secrecy to bypass critical thinking and isolate you.
You'll know your phone has a virus by symptoms like slow performance, rapid battery drain, high data usage, pop-up ads, strange apps, or unexpected messages to contacts, indicating malicious software is using your phone's resources or stealing data. To check, review your Settings > Apps for unfamiliar apps, monitor data/battery usage, and run a scan with a reputable mobile antivirus app like McAfee Security for Android from the Google Play Store or App Store.
What to Do If You Receive a Malicious Text. If there's a link in the message, don't click it. Opening the link may download malware on your phone to steal your data or take you to a legitimate-looking website where the scammer may trick you into entering your personal information.
Common signs of malware, viruses and cyber threats on your device
Control messages: Sometimes, hackers send specially crafted text messages or commands to exploit your phone's software vulnerabilities. These messages can contain malicious code that, when opened, gives the attacker control over your device.