Users said in late 2024 “Don’t open a text stating that Trump had been arrested because it could attack your bank account.” Tell all your buddies.”
Online is being circulated a copypasta alert about the purported dangers to opening a text message scam — or possibly an email — claiming that U.S. President elect Donald Trump was arrested. The claim states that by opening or clicking a message’s link, scammers can gain access to their bank accounts. This warning circulated around or just before November 13, 2024. Days after Trump’s election victory, and many months after Trump was indicted for a number of criminal offenses.
Snopes was contacted by many readers about this warning. For instance, one reader inquired, “Is this true that there’s a scam going about a fake message that Trump has been arrested, and they can scam you and access your bank account if click on the link?” Another reader copied and pasted a version of the rumor claiming, “Warning!” Do not open the text message claiming that Trump had been arrested. This will affect your bank account. “Tell all your friends.”
The rumor was spread by X users, and one user (archived), posted, in part: “HEADS UP!” Do not open the text stating that Trump is arrested. This will affect your bank account. Inform all your friends. Delete instantly. This may not be true, but was obtained from a credible source.”
Facebook user also posted rumor in a bright red color with the warning (archived). If you receive a message saying Trump was in jail, don’t read it. It will attack the bank account.”
It is, however, a hoax. No screenshots, transcripts, or actual texts matching this description have been found. The hoax is very similar to the fake news we published in October 2016 which claimed that clicking on an image of Trump from a social media posting titled, “Donald Trump was arrested”, would install a malware on users’ computers.
We reviewed nearly 20 emails sent by readers, as well as dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens and countless social media comments. These warned people of the alleged dangers in interacting with “Trump arrest” text messages. There was no screenshot or text transcript in any of the emails or comments. A number of emails and comments, as well at least one YouTuber (archived), claimed that they had learned of this matter from family members, friends or acquaintances. We weren’t able to identify the perpetrator of the hoax.
Additional online searches, such as those conducted on Reddit.com or its r/Scams forum — which is always reliable — did not turn up any discussion about the purported fraud or screenshots of text messages.
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What to Know About Text-Scams
It’s not true that consumers are scammed if they open and read a text. To make a fraud successful, the scammers will need you to either respond to a text message or to click on a hyperlink.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, published a complete guide on scams involving text messages. They primarily focus on scammers attempting to steal the personal and financial data of consumers. Reporting the texts to the FTC is a good idea if readers have provided their personal or financial information. Follow the instructions found at the bottom. In addition, we recommend that you contact the associated credit card or banking company. You can do this by visiting an office or calling a number provided on the scam text.
If you can provide us with any further information on the purported text message “Trump is arrested”, please contact us.
