untrappable

Afterpay text scam: is that message real?

Editorially reviewed · Last updated July 12, 2026

Yes — this is a scam. Afterpay doesn't text you links to "restore" or "unlock" your account.

Text Message · Today 11:42 AM
from (415) 555-0182
Afterpay: Your account has been suspended due to a failed payment. Restore access within 24 hours to avoid a fee: afterpay-account-verify.com/restore
The Text message, as received

Other versions you might get: A text about an order or purchase you never made, a "your payment failed, update your card" prompt, or "Your Afterpay account is locked — verify now."

What to do right now

  1. Don't tap the link or reply. Even "STOP" tells them the number is live and resold.
  2. Check the real way. Open the Afterpay app yourself or type afterpay.com — never follow the text. If there's a real issue, it'll show there.
  3. If you already tapped or entered details: change your Afterpay password from the app, turn on two-factor, and call your bank to watch for or freeze charges if you gave card details.
  4. Report it. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), then file at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  5. Delete the message.

How to make sure it never bites you

You got this because your number is on a list scammers buy and resell, so one text usually means more are coming. Getting your number scrubbed and adding a filter between you and them stops most of it — see how to stop spam texts for good.

Untrappable · Public service advisory

Stop the next one at the source

You got this because your details are on lists that get bought, sold, and leaked. You can't unspill that, but you can make it useless to a scammer. Start with the free steps — they do most of the work.

Optional — if you'd rather it was handled for you

If you'd rather have it watched for you, an identity-protection service monitors your accounts, SSN, and the dark web, warns you the moment something new appears, and helps you recover if someone gets through.

See identity protection →

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Frequently asked

How can I tell if an Afterpay text is real?
The safe assumption is that Afterpay doesn't text you a link to “restore,” “unlock,” or “verify” your account — the FTC's rule is blunt: “legitimate companies won't ask for information about your account by text.” A real payment or account issue shows up when you open the Afterpay app yourself, not in a link you have to tap. If a text says your account is suspended, a payment failed, or there's an order you don't recognize, open the app or type afterpay.com and check there. If nothing's wrong inside the app, the text was fake.
What will Afterpay never ask for in a text?
Afterpay won't text you asking for your password, won't ask you to read back a login code, and won't ask for your full card number or bank details — and it won't send a link to “reactivate” or “confirm” your account. The FTC warns that scam texts “say they've noticed some suspicious activity on your account — but they haven't,” or “send you a package delivery notification — but it's fake.” Anything demanding personal or payment details by text is the scam, not Afterpay.
I tapped the link or entered my details — what now?
Open the Afterpay app and change your password right away, then turn on any extra login security it offers. If you entered card or bank details, call the number on the back of your card to flag or freeze it and watch for charges you didn't make. Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM) so your carrier can block the sender, then report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Sources

A public service

Help protect someone else

Scams spread because people stay quiet about them. If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. Passing it on is the easiest good thing you'll do today. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.