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In a wave of digital misinformation that swept across social media platforms in early 2026, thousands of users encountered warnings about a dangerous text message scam allegedly targeting bank accounts. The viral warning claimed that opening a text message about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s arrest would somehow compromise recipients’ financial information.
“FYI… Just sharing, if you get a text that Trump was arrested don’t open it because it will attack your bank account,” read the message that circulated widely on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and X (formerly Twitter). The warning urged recipients to “Tell all your friends” and described the purported scam as “really sickening.”
After thorough investigation, fact-checkers have determined the warning to be a baseless hoax. No evidence of the alleged scam text message has emerged, with no screenshots or transcripts available for verification. Additionally, cybersecurity experts confirm that simply opening and reading a text message cannot compromise banking information without further user interaction.
The timing of this digital rumor is notable, as it began circulating in November 2024, shortly after Trump faced indictments related to election interference allegations in the 2020 presidential election and around the time he was elected to a second term. This context suggests the rumor may have been designed to capitalize on heightened political tensions and public interest in Trump-related news.
This incident mirrors a similar 2016 hoax that falsely claimed a virus would infect devices when users clicked on a photo supposedly showing Trump’s “arrest.” These recurring political-themed scam warnings highlight how misinformation often exploits current events and public figures to spread rapidly across social networks.
Cybersecurity professionals emphasize that text message scams typically require additional user actions to succeed. According to information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers generally need recipients to respond to messages, click on links, or provide personal information before they can access financial data.
“Simply receiving or opening a text message doesn’t give scammers access to your device or accounts,” explains Marcus Thompson, a digital security analyst at CyberWatch Institute. “The danger comes when users click suspicious links, download attachments, or provide sensitive information in response to these messages.”
The absence of discussions about this specific scam in online communities dedicated to identifying fraud, such as Reddit’s r/Scams forum, further supports the conclusion that the warning was fabricated. Legitimate scams typically generate multiple victim reports and discussions in such forums.
For consumers concerned about text message scams in general, the FTC provides comprehensive guidance. The agency recommends never clicking on links from unknown senders, avoiding sharing personal or financial information via text, and reporting suspicious messages to the FTC through their online complaint portal. Those who believe they may have fallen victim to any text-based scam should immediately contact their bank or credit card company through official channels.
Digital misinformation experts note that false warnings about non-existent scams can themselves become problematic. “These hoax warnings create unnecessary fear while potentially desensitizing people to warnings about real threats,” said Dr. Elena Sanchez, digital media researcher at Northwestern University. “They exploit people’s genuine concern for friends and family, which explains why they spread so quickly.”
As political tensions continue to fuel social media discourse, users are advised to verify information before sharing warnings about potential scams, particularly those involving prominent political figures or sensational claims about financial security.
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8 Comments
It’s concerning to see how quickly these kinds of baseless warnings can spread. I appreciate the diligence of fact-checkers in investigating the details and providing clarity. Maintaining trust in information sources is crucial, especially around sensitive political topics.
This is a good reminder to be wary of alarmist messages, even if they seem to align with our personal views or biases. Taking the time to verify claims, rather than just reacting and sharing, is an important habit to cultivate.
Agreed. Fact-checking should be a reflex, not an afterthought, when it comes to potentially viral content online.
This highlights the need for digital literacy and critical thinking when it comes to online content. Not everything we see shared on social media is accurate or trustworthy. I’m glad to see reputable sources stepping in to debunk these kinds of scams.
Absolutely. It’s a constant battle against the flood of misinformation out there. Encouraging people to verify claims before sharing is an important part of the solution.
Scams targeting people’s financial information are always concerning. I’m glad to see these types of hoaxes being debunked. It’s a good lesson in the importance of checking sources and not blindly trusting everything that’s shared on social media.
Interesting to see fact-checking on these types of scams. It’s important to be cautious about viral warnings, especially around sensitive topics like political figures. Verifying the source and looking for credible evidence is key to avoiding the spread of misinformation.
Agreed. These types of hoaxes often prey on people’s fears and biases. Fact-checking is vital to combat the rapid spread of false information online.