Got a text about a package, an unpaid toll, the DMV, the IRS or your bank? Most of these say the same thing the real agency says it never does: text you a link to pay or "verify." Tell us who it claims to be and what it wants, and see what that agency itself says, how to report it, and what to do if you already tapped the link.
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"Got a weird text about a toll, a package or your bank? Before you tap anything, this free checker shows what to look for and where to report it:"
What the agencies say they never do
- USPS: won't text you unless you asked for tracking with a tracking number, and those texts never contain a link. USPS uses 5-digit short codes.
- FasTrak: Bay Area FasTrak warns it does not request payment by text with a link to a website.
- California DMV: never asks for personal or financial information by text, doesn't text payment links, and never asks for gift cards, wire transfers, Venmo or Zelle. Fakes say things like "Your license is suspended. Click here to pay a fee."
- IRS: doesn't send unsolicited texts or start contact by text; it mails a letter or notice first, and never takes gift cards.
- Medicare: never calls to sell you anything. Keep your Medicare Number for your doctor and people you know should have it.
From the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bay Area FasTrak, the California DMV, the IRS and Medicare.gov, read October 12, 2026.
Red flags in any text
The DMV's list fits nearly every scam text: odd-looking links or addresses, urgent or threatening language, poor grammar or misspellings, a request for personal or financial information, and a message you weren't expecting. Got one? Don't tap the link and don't reply. Go to the agency's site by typing the address yourself, not through a search ad.
How to report it
- Forward it to 7726 (SPAM). The Postal Inspection Service says this helps report the scam number.
- USPS fakes: email the copied text and a screenshot with the sender's number and date to spam@uspis.gov.
- Everything else: reportfraud.ftc.gov, where the DMV sends people. Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE.
Already tapped the link or paid?
The Postal Inspection Service says that if you interacted with the link at all, even without pressing submit, tell your bank or card company. Gave a password? Change it from the real site or app, and if you're locked out, see getting back into your account. Gave your Medicare Number? Call 1-800-MEDICARE. Then text PJ; he'll help you lock things down. More: senior scams, who to call · pop-ups and fake virus warnings · Medicare scams this fall · fake Airbnb or Vrbo support numbers.
This checker can't see your text and nothing you tick is sent anywhere. It compares what the text asks for with what each agency says it does and doesn't do. When in doubt, contact the agency directly. This page is an independent local guide, not any of these agencies.
More local answers
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
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Questions people ask
Does USPS send text messages about packages?
Only if you asked for tracking with a tracking number, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service says those texts never contain a link. A USPS text with a link you didn't ask for is a scam called smishing.
Is the unpaid toll text a scam?
Bay Area FasTrak warns that it does not request payment by text with a link to a website. Check any toll on your toll agency's own site, typed in yourself.
Does the California DMV text you?
The DMV says it will never ask for personal or financial information by text and doesn't send texts with links to make payments. Report fakes at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Does the IRS send text messages?
No. The IRS says it doesn't send unsolicited texts or start contact by text; it mails a letter or notice first.
What do I do if I clicked a scam text link?
Tell your bank or card company, even if you didn't press submit, change any password you entered from the real site, and forward the text to 7726.
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