Why am I getting texts saying I have a virus on my phone?

That Virus Text? It’s Probably a Scam.

You’ve just received a text message. The subject line screams: VIRUS ALERT! Your phone is infected! Panic sets in. Before you start frantically deleting apps and factory resetting your device, take a deep breath. Chances are, that text message is nothing more than a sophisticated scam.

While it’s possible to get a virus on your phone, it’s far less likely than the scammers want you to believe. Modern smartphones, especially those running Android, have incredibly robust security measures in place. Google’s Play Protect, for example, actively scans apps before and after installation, flagging potential threats. This built-in protection significantly reduces the risk of infection from simply browsing the web or downloading apps from reputable sources like the Google Play Store.

So why are these scam texts so prevalent? The goal is simple: to trick you into clicking a malicious link. This link might lead to a fake antivirus program that demands payment to “clean” your phone, or it could be a portal to steal your personal information, including banking details and passwords. Regardless of the final destination, the result is the same: you lose money or your identity is compromised.

Here’s what you need to remember:

• Legitimate security alerts rarely come via text message. Official warnings from your phone manufacturer or operating system will typically appear as notifications within the phone’s settings, not as unsolicited texts.
• Never click links in suspicious texts. This is the number one rule of online safety. No matter how convincing the message, avoid any links or phone numbers provided in unsolicited virus warnings.
• Check your phone’s security settings. Familiarize yourself with your phone’s built-in security features, like Google Play Protect (for Android) or similar features on other operating systems. Regularly update your software to benefit from the latest security patches.
• If you’re concerned, scan your phone with a reputable antivirus app. There are numerous legitimate antivirus apps available on official app stores. However, don’t download one from a link in a suspicious text message!

In short, while the possibility of a virus infection exists, the likelihood of receiving a genuine virus warning via a random text is incredibly low. Treat these messages as the scams they almost always are and avoid interacting with them in any way. Your phone is likely perfectly safe.