What to Text a Scammer: 75 Safe and Firm Responses

Scam texts are becoming more common, popping up in our messages with fake offers, urgent requests, or too-good-to-be-true deals. It’s easy to feel annoyed or even worried when you receive one, but knowing what to text a scammer can help you handle the situation with confidence.

Whether you want to respond with humor, firmly shut them down, or simply block and report, it’s important to approach these texts wisely. In this guide, we’ll explore smart and safe ways to deal with scammers through text, helping you protect yourself while keeping the situation under control.

Understanding Scam Tactics

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods, making it crucial to understand the tactics they use to deceive unsuspecting individuals. Recognizing these tactics can help you identify scam texts and avoid falling victim to them.

Phishing Scams:

Phishing texts often masquerade as messages from legitimate organizations, such as banks, service providers, or even government agencies. These texts usually contain urgent requests for you to verify your account, update your information, or confirm a transaction. The goal is to get you to click on a link that leads to a fake website where you might unknowingly enter sensitive information like your passwords or credit card details.

Fake Prize Notifications:

These texts claim that you’ve won a prize, such as a large sum of money, a new gadget, or a luxury vacation. The message might instruct you to click a link to claim your prize or reply with personal details to arrange the delivery. Often, these scams aim to collect your personal information or trick you into paying fees to claim a non-existent prize.

Fraudulent Financial Requests:

In these scams, the scammer might pose as a friend, family member, or even a charitable organization in need of urgent financial help. The message might say something like, “I’m stuck abroad and need money to get home” or “Please donate to this urgent cause.” The goal is to play on your emotions and get you to send money, often through untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards.

Tech Support Scams:

These scams often involve a text claiming that there’s an issue with your device, such as a virus or a security breach, and that you need to take immediate action. The text may include a phone number to call or a link to click for “support.” Scammers use this tactic to gain remote access to your device or to steal personal information under the guise of providing help.

Debt Relief or Loan Scams:

These texts promise quick fixes for financial problems, offering debt relief, loan approvals, or credit repair services. The scammer might ask for an upfront fee or personal information to process the loan or service, but the promised help never materializes.

Examples of Safe Responses

Humorous Responses

Humorous responses are a great way to acknowledge a scam text without taking it seriously. These responses use humor to confuse or frustrate the scammer, making it clear that you’re not an easy target.

1. “Is this where I sign up for the free unicorn?”
2. “I’d love to help, but my psychic says today isn’t a good day for it.”
3. “Sure, I’ll just send you my imaginary friend’s bank account details.”
4. “Does this mean I finally won the moon landing raffle?”
5. “Only if you can deliver it by spaceship. “
6. “I’m actually a secret agent, so I can’t share that info.”
7. “Will this payment come with a side of fries?”
8. “Wow, I didn’t know my cat could send texts. “
9. “Do I get a free llama with that prize?”
10. “Sorry, I’m too busy planning my next mission to Mars.”
11. “I’ll need to check with the queen of Atlantis first.”
12. “Can you also send me a map to the hidden treasure?”
13. “How about we trade—I’ll send you my Monopoly money?”
14. “Can this payment be made in chocolate coins?”
15. “Let me consult with my pet dragon before I proceed.”
16. “Is this part of the secret wizard council initiation?”
17. “I’m afraid my time machine is in the shop, so I’ll pass.”
18. “Can you also throw in a rainbow-colored pony?”
19. “I’ll respond after I finish my invisibility potion.”
20. “Sorry, I’m currently negotiating with the goblin king.”
21. “I’ll agree if you can make my pet rock talk.”
22. “I’ll get back to you once I find my magic beans.”
23. “Does this offer include a personal visit from Bigfoot?”
24. “Sure, but only if it’s delivered by a flying carpet.”
25. “I’ll just need to clear it with my alien overlords first.”

Firm Responses

Firm responses are designed to clearly indicate that you’re aware of the scam and that you won’t be fooled. These replies let the scammer know that you’re not someone to mess with.

1. “I’m aware this is a scam, do not contact me again.”
2. “Stop trying to scam me. I’m reporting this number.”
3. “Your scam attempt has been noted and reported.”
4. “I know what you’re trying to do, and it won’t work.”
5. “This is fraudulent. I’ve already reported you.”
6. “Do not text me again. This is a scam.”
7. “I’m not falling for your scam, so stop contacting me.”
8. “I know this is a scam, and I’ve reported it.”
9. “I’m blocking this number and reporting your scam.”
10. “This number is now reported for fraud. Don’t contact me again.”
11. “Your scam is obvious, and I won’t be a victim.”
12. “You’ve been reported for attempting to defraud me.”
13. “I’m aware of your scam. Stop contacting me.”
14. “Your attempt to scam me has been reported to the authorities.”
15. “I know this is a scam, and I won’t engage further.”
16. “This is fraud, and I’m not falling for it.”
17. “Your number has been reported for scam attempts.”
18. “Do not attempt to contact me again. I know this is a scam.”
19. “Your scam attempt is futile. I’ve reported you.”
20. “Stop trying to scam me. This number is reported.”
21. “This is a scam, and I’m blocking this number.”
22. “Your fraud attempt is noted and reported.”
23. “I know this is a scam, and I’ve taken steps to report it.”
24. “Your scam won’t work on me. Do not contact me again.”
25. “You’re reported for fraud. This is your final warning.”

Avoiding Engagement

Avoiding engagement is often the safest option. These responses are designed to politely decline interaction or simply to ignore the scammer, minimizing any risk.

1. “I don’t engage with unsolicited texts. Goodbye.”
2. “Not interested. Please don’t contact me again.”
3. “I do not respond to unknown numbers. Goodbye.”
4. “I’m not interested in this. Please stop contacting me.”
5. “I do not engage with these types of messages.”
6. “I don’t accept messages from unknown senders.”
7. “This isn’t something I’m interested in. Please stop texting.”
8. “I don’t respond to messages like this. Please stop.”
9. “Please remove me from your contact list.”
10. “I do not interact with unsolicited texts. Goodbye.”
11. “I’m not interested in your offer. Please do not contact me again.”
12. “I do not wish to receive further messages from this number.”
13. “No thanks. I’m not interested in this.”
14. “Please do not contact me again.”
15. “I do not respond to these types of messages.”
16. “I’m not interested. Please stop sending these texts.”
17. “I do not engage with messages from unknown sources.”
18. “This is not something I’m interested in.”
19. “Please refrain from contacting me again.”
20. “I do not wish to continue this conversation.”
21. “Please do not text me again.”
22. “I don’t engage with unknown contacts.”
23. “I do not interact with these types of messages.”
24. “No response needed. Please stop texting me.”
25. “I’m not interested. Goodbye.”

How to Respond Safely

1. Using Humor or Confusion

Responding to a scam text with humor or confusion can be an effective way to throw the scammer off balance without revealing any personal information. By replying with something light-hearted or nonsensical, you disrupt the scammer’s usual script, making it harder for them to continue their attempt.

This approach can deter further interaction by frustrating the scammer, all while keeping the conversation playful and harmless. It’s a safe way to acknowledge the message without engaging seriously, reducing the risk of providing any details that could be exploited.

2. Blocking and Reporting the Scammer

One of the most effective ways to deal with a scam text is to block the sender and report the scam. Blocking the number ensures that the scammer can no longer contact you, cutting off any further attempts to deceive or harass you.

Reporting the scam to your service provider and relevant authorities not only protects you but also contributes to broader efforts to combat scams. By taking these actions, you help prevent the scammer from targeting others, playing a part in the larger fight against fraud.

3. Do Not Give Personal Information

The most crucial rule when responding to a scam text is to never share personal or financial information. Scammers often make their requests seem urgent or legitimate, but providing them with any sensitive details can lead to severe consequences like identity theft or financial loss.

Even seemingly harmless information can be used to build a profile that scammers can exploit. By refusing to share any personal data and verifying suspicious requests through official channels, you protect yourself from falling victim to their schemes and keep your information secure.