LA County Sheriff’s Department shares important safety tips to help residents recognize dangerous text message scams
Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is reminding residents to be cautious when receiving unexpected text messages, warning that scammers are using increasingly convincing tactics to steal personal and financial information.
Officials said fraudulent text messages are becoming more difficult to identify, making it easier for people to fall victim if they react without first checking whether the message is legitimate. According to the department, it can take just a single click on a malicious link to place sensitive information at risk.
Simple steps can help protect your information
The Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone who receives a suspicious text message to avoid interacting with it. Residents are advised not to click on any links, not to reply to the sender, and not to share personal or financial information in response to unexpected requests.
Instead, people should independently verify whether the message is genuine by contacting the company or organization directly using official contact information rather than the details included in the text message.
Authorities also recommend reporting suspicious messages as junk or spam before deleting them from the device. Taking these steps can help prevent scammers from reaching additional victims while reducing the chance of personal information being exposed.
The department also stressed that trustworthy businesses and organizations generally do not pressure people into taking immediate action through unexpected text messages. Messages demanding urgent payments, account verification, or sensitive information should be treated with caution.
As text message scams continue to evolve, officials are urging residents to stay alert and think carefully before responding to unsolicited messages. The Sheriff’s Department summed up its advice with a simple reminder for the public: “Don’t take the bait. Spot the scam.”
Scam text messages are becoming more convincing every day, and it only takes one click to put your personal information at risk.
If you receive a suspicious text message:
• Don’t click on links.
• Don’t reply to the sender.
• Don’t provide personal or financial information.… pic.twitter.com/TxWSMTzPax— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) July 28, 2026
