Soon after you get a US number, scam calls and texts will start. This happens to everyone. It does not mean someone targeted you.
Texts you will probably see
"Unpaid toll": a text says you owe a small toll, like $5.89, and must pay today or get a large late fee. The FTC and FBI have warned about this many times. Toll agencies do not collect payment by a text with a link.
"USPS package": a text says your package has an address problem or a redelivery fee. USPS does not charge for redelivery and does not text you about a package unless you asked for tracking updates.
"Your bank account is locked", a job offer you never applied for, a wrong-number "Hi, is this Anna?" that turns into a friendship and then an investment.
Fake government calls (immigration, IRS, police) that say you will be arrested unless you pay. Real agencies do not ask for gift cards, crypto or wire transfers.
The rule: never tap a link in a text you did not expect. If it might be real, open the company's app or type its website yourself.
Stop and report a scam text
Do not reply, even "STOP", to a text that looks like a scam. A reply shows your number is active.
Forward the text to 7726 (it spells SPAM). This helps your carrier block it. It is free.
Use the phone's Report Junk (iPhone) or Report spam (Android) button.
Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
iPhone: Settings, Apps, Phone (or Settings, Phone), Screen Unknown Callers or Silence Unknown Callers. Unknown callers go to voicemail or are asked to say why they are calling.
Android (Pixel): Phone app, Settings, Call Screen and Spam and Call Screen. Samsung: Phone app, Settings, Caller ID and spam protection.
Your carrier also has a free spam-blocking app or setting. Turn it on.
Be careful: if you are waiting for calls from employers, doctors or a school, unknown callers will land in voicemail. Check voicemail every day.
The National Do Not Call Registry
Open donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
Online, click the link in the email within 72 hours.
It is free and never expires. Sales calls can take up to 31 days to stop.
It stops honest sales calls. Scammers ignore it, and charities, surveys, political calls and debt collectors may still call. If you get a sales call after 31 days, report it at donotcall.gov.
If you already paid or clicked
Call your bank or card company using the number on your card. Ask them to block the card and dispute the charge.
If you gave your SSN, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
Change any password you typed on the fake page.