Afterpay text scam: is that message real?
Editorially reviewed · Last updated September 8, 2026
Yes — this is a scam. The illustrated Afterpay message uses urgency and a look-alike link to collect information. Verify the account independently.
Exhibit · Text message
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
- Don't tap the link or reply. Even “STOP” tells them the number is live and resold.
- Check independently. Open Afterpay’s app or afterpay.com yourself and review payments and account activity. Ask official support about a message you cannot verify.
- If you entered credentials or card details: secure your Afterpay account through its official app or support, use any additional login protections it offers, and contact your card issuer if payment details were exposed.
- Report it. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), then file at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Delete the message.
Reduce the risk of another scam
Do not use the message’s link to check the claim. Open the real service yourself. If you paid or shared account details, start with what to do after a scam. Blocking and reporting can reduce unwanted contact, but they cannot stop every attempt or tell you how the sender found you.
● Public service · free steps first
Take the free protection steps first
A suspicious message does not tell us how someone found your details. If you shared personal information, start with the official recovery guidance. You can also freeze your credit for free.
- Freeze your credit — free at all three bureausRestricts access to your credit report for new credit applications. It does not protect existing accounts from misuse.
- Report it and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.govThe FTC walks you through exactly what to do next, for free.
Decide what protection you need
Start with the free controls above. Compare what a paid service would add only after deciding which problem remains.
No purchase needed. How we use evidence.
Frequently asked
How can I tell if an Afterpay text is real?
What will Afterpay never ask for in a text?
I tapped the link or entered my details — what now?
Sources
- 01How to Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages— Federal Trade Commission
- 02How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams— Federal Trade Commission
- 03What To Do if You Were Scammed— consumer.ftc.gov
Pass it on
Help protect someone else
If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.