Verizon scams
Last updated September 18, 2026
The short answer
Verizon scams involve fake billing texts, phishing emails about account problems, and SIM swap attacks. Scammers send texts claiming your bill is overdue or your account needs verification. Verizon will never ask for your password via text or email. Always check your account at verizon.com or in the My Verizon app.
Verizon is one of the most commonly impersonated telecom companies by scammers. With over 100 million subscribers, fake Verizon communications reach a wide audience. Scams range from simple phishing texts to sophisticated SIM swap attacks that can compromise your entire digital identity.
How Verizon scams work
- 1
Fake billing alert text
You receive a text saying your Verizon payment failed or your account is past due. The text includes a link to "update your payment method." The link leads to a fake Verizon site that steals your login credentials and financial information.
- 2
Account verification phishing email
An email from "Verizon Security" says suspicious activity was detected and asks you to verify your identity by clicking a link. The link captures your My Verizon username and password.
- 3
Fake Verizon customer service call
A caller claiming to be Verizon says you qualify for a discount or there's a problem with your account. They ask for your account PIN or the last four of your Social Security number to "verify" your identity.
- 4
SIM swap through social engineering
A scammer with your personal information calls Verizon and convinces a rep to port your number to a new device. They then use your phone number to intercept two-factor authentication codes for your financial accounts.
Warning signs
- A text about your Verizon bill includes a link to a non-Verizon website
- An email asks you to click a link to verify your Verizon account
- A caller asks for your Verizon account PIN or Social Security number
- You lose cell service unexpectedly (possible SIM swap)
- You receive alerts about changes to your Verizon account that you didn't make
- An offer for a free upgrade requires you to share account credentials
Examples
Fake Verizon payment failure text
A text reads: "Verizon: We were unable to process your monthly payment. Update your billing info to avoid service interruption: vzw-billing-update.test." The URL is not verizon.com. The fake site asks for your My Verizon login, then your credit card details.
"Verizon reward" phishing email
An email says "Congratulations! As a loyal Verizon customer, you've been selected for a $50 reward." Clicking "Claim Reward" leads to a fake login page. After entering credentials, the scammer locks you out of your real account and uses it to order expensive devices shipped to their address.
What to do
- Don't click links in unexpected Verizon texts or emails. Open the My Verizon app or go to verizon.com directly.
- If you lose cell service suddenly, contact Verizon immediately from another phone to check for unauthorized SIM changes.
- Set up a Verizon account PIN and enable Number Lock to prevent unauthorized port-outs.
- Change your My Verizon password if you entered it on a suspicious site.
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) and report phishing emails to phishing@verizon.com.
Report it to Verizon
Forward the text to 7726 and phishing email to phishing@verizon.com, then turn on Number Lock against SIM swaps.
Getting your money back
If your Verizon account was compromised, change your password and account PIN immediately. If you experienced a SIM swap, call Verizon from another phone to reclaim your number and enable Number Lock. Change passwords on all accounts using SMS-based two-factor authentication. Place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if your personal information was exposed.
Frequently asked questions
Does Verizon text customers about billing problems?
Verizon may send billing reminders via text, but they will not include links to payment pages. Any text asking you to click a link to update your billing info is a scam. Check your bill directly in the My Verizon app.
How do I protect my Verizon account from SIM swap attacks?
Set up a strong account PIN in My Verizon settings. Enable the Number Lock feature, which prevents your number from being ported to another carrier without your approval. Avoid sharing personal information on social media that could be used to impersonate you.
How do I report Verizon phishing?
Forward phishing texts to 7726 (SPAM). Forward suspicious emails to phishing@verizon.com. Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Other companies scammers impersonate
Scams reuse their scripts across brands. If you were contacted about Verizon, these are the guides worth reading next.