Scam warning: Six million hit with fake government texts—here’s how to protect yourself

Imagine this: you’re relaxing at home, maybe scrolling through your phone or prepping dinner, when a message pops up that looks like it’s straight from your state government. It’s urgent. It’s official-looking.

It says your bank transaction was denied and asks you to reply “YES” if it was you—or call a number to fix it. Your heart skips. Is this real? Could your account be compromised?

That’s exactly what six millions of Americans feared when they received a convincing message that mimicked official government alerts. While not all fell for the scam, the sheer scale of the outreach—and the realism of the message—makes this more than a phishing attempt. It’s a wake-up call.

The scam that fooled millions​

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, over six million New Yorkers received a startling text message that appeared to come from the state’s official emergency alert system.

The message urged recipients to take action, stating: “B of A: transaction of $732.42 was denied. Confirm if this was you: 999-836-4437. Reply YES to confirm.”

What made this scam especially deceptive was its delivery method—it was sent through New York State’s legitimate text alert platform, a trusted source typically used for weather warnings, public safety updates, and emergency notifications. The message mimicked the tone and urgency of a real financial alert, prompting many recipients to panic and respond.

State officials quickly followed up, confirming that the message had been sent in error and warning residents not to reply or engage.

Scammers exploit urgency and trust by imitating banks and government alerts—don’t take the bait. Image Source: Pexels/Markus Winkler

Why are these scams so effective?​

Phishing scams succeed because they prey on two powerful triggers: trust and urgency.

When a message appears to come from a familiar source, like your bank or a government agency, it disarms your skepticism. Add a time-sensitive warning like “Your account has been compromised,” and even the most cautious person can be lured into clicking or replying.

This tactic was on full display in the recent New York State alert system breach, where a scam message mimicking a financial alert reached over six million residents. It wasn’t just the content that fooled people—it was the delivery method. The message came through the state’s official emergency alert system.

The incident underscores a broader reality: phishing remains one of the most pervasive cyber threats today.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) logged more than 300,000 phishing complaints in just one year—making phishing one of the most frequently reported cybercrimes in the United States.

A July 2025 Pew Research Center study also found that 73% of adults have experienced some form of online scam or attack.

Also read: 1.8 billion iPhone users warned of fast-growing bank account scam.

How to spot a scam and what to do​

So, how can you protect yourself from text scams like the one that hit millions of New Yorkers? Follow these smart steps:

1. Pause before you react

If you get a surprise text—especially one claiming your account is locked or asking for personal info—don’t rush. Scammers count on panic to override your judgment.

2. Question the message

Does it feel off? Trust your gut. It’s okay to ignore or delete suspicious messages. Real banks and government agencies won’t pressure you to respond immediately or punish you for double-checking.

3. Protect your information

Never click on links or reply with sensitive details like your Social Security number or bank login credentials. If you’re worried about your account, contact your bank directly using a number from their official website—not the one in the message.

4. Report the scam

You can report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).

You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or with the IC3.

5. Know the red flags

Phishing texts often use vague greetings (“Dear customer”), urgent language (“Act now!”), and unfamiliar numbers. But as the recent New York incident shows, even official-looking alerts can be faked or misused—so stay alert.

What if you’ve been scammed?​

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, stay calm—but don’t delay.

Take immediate steps to protect yourself: Reach out to your bank to secure your accounts, update any compromised passwords, and report the incident to the proper authorities.

Acting fast can make a big difference in limiting financial loss and preventing further harm.

Staying safe in a digital world​

As technology grows more powerful, so do the tactics used by fraudsters. That’s why it’s crucial to stay alert, verify unexpected messages, and talk openly with friends and family about emerging scam trends. If something feels off, trust your instincts. You’re not alone—millions of people are targeted every year, and choosing caution is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The recent breach in New York is a sobering reminder: even official systems aren’t immune. When trusted institutions can be compromised, it’s a wake-up call for all of us to be more vigilant. But with the right information and a healthy dose of skepticism, we can outsmart even the most sophisticated schemes.

Key Takeaways

• Six million New Yorkers were sent a scam text through the state’s official alert system, falsely claiming to be about a denied bank transaction.
• Authorities quickly advised recipients not to reply or call the number, warning the message was not from the government and urging people to be wary of all unexpected messages.
• Individuals are reminded to pause and think carefully before sharing personal information, to challenge any suspicious requests, and to protect themselves by reporting potential scams and contacting their bank if they’ve been affected.
• Suspicious texts can be reported by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM), and scams or phishing attempts should also be reported to relevant authorities.

Have you received any suspicious text messages lately? What warning signs did you notice? Share your experiences in the comments below—your story could help protect fellow readers from falling victim to these scams.

Let’s look out for each other, stay informed, and keep our hard-earned money safe!