Surfshark has launched Scam Text Protection to detect suspicious SMS messages on iPhone and Android. Here’s how it works and how it can help you avoid phishing links and scams.
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What Happened?
According to Cybernews, Surfshark launched Scam Text Protection on August 13, 2026, to help users identify suspicious SMS messages. Surfshark is a cybersecurity company best known for its VPN and privacy tools.
The new feature focuses on smishing, which means phishing scams sent through text messages. It checks incoming messages for warning signs, including suspicious senders, wording, and links. However, the feature works differently on iPhone and Android.
On iPhone, suspicious messages can be moved into the Spam section without sending a normal notification. On Android, Surfshark can warn you about a likely scam and explain why the message was flagged.
Scam texts can become even more convincing when criminals already have leaked details such as your name, email address, or phone number. They may use this information to make a fake bank, delivery, or account message look more personal.
You may not know that your information has already appeared in a data leak. That is why checking for leaked data can give you an extra layer of protection.
Futureproof monitors your data for leaks 24/7 and helps you reduce scam risks with simple, clear steps.
How Surfshark Scam Text Protection Works
Many phishing texts try to create urgency with fake delivery problems, bank alerts, unpaid tolls, or unexpected refunds.
Surfshark checks messages for signals linked to these scams before you decide whether to trust them.
On iOS, suspicious texts from unknown senders can be filtered into Spam. This also prevents the usual notification from appearing.
That matters because urgent notifications can push you to react before checking whether a message is real.
On Android, Surfshark takes a different approach. It sends a warning when it detects a likely scam.
When you open the warning, Surfshark shows the message and explains which warning signs caused the alert.
This extra context can help when a message looks convincing enough to make you hesitate.
Futureproof monitors your information for data leaks 24/7 and guides you with clear steps to keep it safer from scams.
Run a free checkHow to Turn On Scam Text Protection on iPhone
You need to enable the feature in both Surfshark and your iPhone settings.
- Open the Surfshark app.
- Select Anti-scam from the bottom menu.
- Tap Text Message Protection and turn it on.
- Open your iPhone Settings.
- Make sure Screen Unknown Senders is enabled.
- Under Text Message Filter, select Surfshark.
After setup, Surfshark can check messages from unknown senders and filter suspicious texts automatically.
The source did not provide similar setup instructions for Android.
Why Scam Text Filtering Can Help You
Phishing texts often work because they arrive at the right moment.
A message about a delayed package or frozen bank account can seem believable when you are busy or distracted.
That is why automatic filtering can be useful. It gives you another warning before you click a suspicious link or share information.
It can also reduce the pressure to judge every unfamiliar text yourself.
However, automated protection cannot guarantee that every scam message will be detected.
You should still treat unexpected payment requests, login alerts, and urgent links carefully.
At Futureproof, Kevin explains digital safety in simple words, with clear tips and zero fluff. He holds a degree in information technology and studies fraud trends to keep his tips up-to-date.
In his free time, Kevin plays with his cat, enjoys board-game nights, and hunts for New York’s best cinnamon rolls.
