Scam Texts Are Getting Smarter—and Closer to Home

Cybercriminals have found a new way to flood Americans with scam texts—and it’s happening right in our neighborhoods. Using devices called “SMS blasters,” scammers are driving around U.S. cities with equipment that tricks nearby phones into thinking they’re connecting to legitimate cell towers. These fake towers then blast out phishing texts, often containing malicious links designed to steal personal information.

What Are SMS Blasters?
SMS blasters are small, portable devices—sometimes hidden in cars or backpacks—that impersonate cell towers. They hijack nearby phones by forcing them onto insecure 2G networks, then send scam messages directly to those devices. This method bypasses the security filters used by mobile carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, making it harder to detect or block the texts.

Why Should We Be Concerned
Local Threats: While SMS blasters were first spotted in Asia and Europe, experts warn they’re likely to appear in the U.S. soon. Similar tech has already been used in criminal cases here, such as IMSI catchers (also known as Stingrays), which law enforcement has used for surveillance.

Carrier Limitations: U.S. carriers have made strides in blocking scam texts—Verizon alone blocks billions per year—but SMS blasters operate outside their networks, rendering those protections useless.

Privacy Risks: These messages often mimic legitimate sources like USPS, toll agencies, or banks. Clicking a link could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, or malware installation.

What You Can Do
According to industry estimates, over 140 million spam texts are sent daily across the U.S. in 2025. While carriers are blocking tens of millions, a significant number still slip through. Verizon reports that they block OVER 1 BILLION per month (33 million/day) with AT&T and T-Mobile close behind

Disable 2G: On Android phones, go to Settings > Network > Mobile Networks > Preferred Network Type and disable 2G. Apple users can enable Lockdown Mode in iOS settings to block insecure connections.

Don’t Click Suspicious Links: If a message seems off—especially if it urges immediate action—pause and verify the source independently.

Report Scam Texts: Forward suspicious messages to 7726 (SPAM), a free service supported by most U.S. carriers to help track and block scam campaigns.

Use Advanced Protection: Enable security features like Google’s Advanced Protection Program or Apple’s Lockdown Mode if available on your device.

What Needs to Happen
Experts say U.S. law enforcement and telecom regulators need to act fast. That means:

• Tracking and banning the sale of SMS blasters online.
• Increasing public awareness through campaigns and alerts.
• Encouraging carriers to invest in detection tools that work outside traditional networks.

Quick Tip
If a message feels urgent or suspicious, pause before acting. Scammers rely on panic to trick you.