5 Ways to Scare a Scammer through Text [Copy & Paste Reply]

That notification buzzes. It’s not a friend or family. It’s another scam text trying to trick you. While your first instinct might be to delete and block, sometimes you want to fight back.

This guide provides a list of copy and paste messages designed to scare, confuse, and waste scammers’ time. We will show you exactly what to say to a scammer to scare them and, most importantly, how to do it safely.

Why Push Back Against Scammers?

By pushing back, you disrupt their operations and help protect other potential victims from harm.

5 Effective Ways to Respond to Scammers

Here are five different methods you can use, each with several copy and paste messages. Choose the one that best fits the situation.

Method 1: The Official Authority Warning

This approach makes the scammer think they have contacted a government agency or that their actions are being officially monitored.

• FBI/Cybercrime Angle:
  [AUTOMATED ALERT] This number has been flagged for fraudulent activity. Your device ID and location data have been logged and forwarded to the Cybercrime Division under Case File #EC-8817. Cease all communication immediately.
• Legal Action Angle:
  You are in violation of CFR Title 16 (Telemarketing Sales Rule). This communication is being recorded and will be used as evidence. A formal complaint is being filed with the FTC and relevant international authorities.
• Monitored Line Angle:
  This is a registered government official’s number. All unsolicited contact is logged and investigated as a potential security threat. You are instructed to delete this number from your records.

Method 2: The Tech-Savvy Counter-Attack

This method makes the scammer believe you are a tech expert who is actively tracing their information.

• IP Tracking Angle:
  Connection traced. Your IP address (92.158.1.38) and device ID have been logged. A report is being filed with your ISP and hosting provider for fraudulent activity.
• Security Team Angle:
  Interesting. The metadata from this message is more than enough for our security team to work with. You made a mistake targeting this number.
• Malware Analysis Angle:
  (Use this if they send a link) Thank you for the data packet. The phishing link has been successfully sandboxed. We are now analyzing your command-and-control server for vulnerabilities.

Method 3: The Sarcastic & Annoying Reply

This approach uses humor and sarcasm to frustrate the scammer and show them you are not an easy target.

• Mocking Their Skills:
  Wow, I’m so impressed by your scamming skills. 10/10 for effort, 1/10 for execution. Do you have a supervisor I can speak to about your performance?
• Playing Along Sarcastically:
  A free cruise? Finally! I’ve been waiting for this call my whole life. Please hold on for 10-15 minutes while I find my credit card. I think I left it in my other pants.
• Unimpressed Reply:
  Is this the best scam you have? I got three of these yesterday and one of them at least offered me a free car. You need to try harder.

Method 4: The Time-Wasting & Confusing Response

The goal here is to be as nonsensical as possible to break their script and waste their time.

• The Absurd Subscription:
  Thank you for subscribing to ‘Daily Hamster Facts’! Did you know a hamster’s teeth never stop growing? Reply ‘MOREFACTS’ for more, or reply with your mother’s maiden name to opt-out.
• The Wrong Person:
  (Reply to any message) OMG Brenda is that you?? I TOLD you this is my emergency number for my grandma’s cat, Mittens! She’s fine btw, the vet said the glitter was non-toxic.
• The Eager but Incompetent Victim:
  Okay, I’m at the store to buy the gift cards you wanted. Do you prefer the one with the balloons on it or the one with the sunset? This is a very important decision and I want to get it right for you.

Method 5: The “Reverse Scam”

This creative method turns the tables completely by pretending you are the scammer.

• The Mirror:
  (Simply copy the entire message they sent you and paste it back to them as your reply.)
• The Uno Reverse Card:
  Excellent, I’m glad you reached out. I am a Nigerian prince and I have a business proposal for you. I require a small investment of $500 to unlock my fortune, and I will reward you with $5 million.
• The Verification Bot:
  [Automated System] To connect with this user, please first verify your identity. Reply with your full name, business address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to continue.

The Smartest Way to Reply: 100% Anonymously

Replying to a scammer from your personal phone number is risky. It confirms your number is active and can lead to even more spam and scam attempts.

So, how can you send your message without exposing yourself? The answer is to use an anonymous texting service.

A service like Anonsms is designed for exactly this. It lets you send a text from a different, private number. This means:

• Your identity is safe. The scammer never sees your real phone number.
• There is no risk of retaliation. They cannot use your number to harass you.
• It’s simple to use. You just type your message and send it without any registration.

To send your scare message or funny reply safely and anonymously, using a service like Anonsms is the recommended method.

A Step-by-Step Guide for Handling Scam Texts

Whether you reply or not, follow these steps to protect yourself.

1. Immediate Safety Rules

• Never Click Links or Attachments. Links can install malware on your phone or lead to phishing websites.
• Never Share Personal Information. Scammers want your address, bank account details, and passwords. Never give them out.
• Block the Number. After you have reported the scammer, block their number to prevent future contact.

2. How to Report Scam Texts

• Report to Your Mobile Carrier: Forward the suspicious text message to the number 7726 (which spells “SPAM”). This free service reports the number to your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.).
• Report to the Government: File a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at their official website: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

3. How to Prevent Future Spam Texts

• Activate Your Phone’s Spam Filter. Both iPhone and Android have built-in spam protection in their messaging settings.
• Join the National Do Not Call Registry. Add your number for free at DoNotCall.gov to reduce calls from legitimate telemarketers.

Act Fast: What to Do If You Have Already Been Scammed

If you accidentally clicked a link or shared information, take these steps immediately.

1. Contact Your Bank: If you shared any financial details, call your bank or credit card company right away to freeze your accounts.
2. Change Your Passwords: If you shared any login information, change the passwords for your important accounts (email, banking, social media).
3. Report the Incident: File a complaint with the FTC and your local police department to create an official record of the fraud.

Conclusion: You Have the Power

Now you know what to say to a scammer and how to do it without putting yourself at risk. Fighting back can be satisfying, but always prioritize your safety. By using these copy and paste messages and replying smartly, you can turn the tables on scammers.