Lots of crooks all across America have hung signs on their doors – “Gone Smishing.”
Thousands of cell phone users all over the country are regularly receiving automated messages or texts, warning them that their bank accounts have been misused.
Police and bank officials say it’s a scam, and that someone is attempting to steal your account numbers so they can withdraw your money and run up huge credit card purchases.
The calls or texts falsely warn that a person’s checking, debit or credit card account has been deactivated or used improperly. In each case, the person is asked to contact the caller and provide their credit, debit or bank account numbers.
This practice is called “smishing,” derived from Short Message Service technology, which is used for cell phone text messages. The term smishing is a mix of SMS technology with the practice of “phishing,” to send legitimate-looking e-mails and text messages to cell phones. In a banking context, these messages appear to come from the recipient’s bank or credit union.
Wireless cell phone companies are working on ways to block unwanted text messages, while customers are reporting increasing numbers of spam messages and smishing attacks. Some users are even forced to pay for the text messages they receive.
Some tips to avoid getting hooked into this scam:
• Do not reply to text messages that ask for personal for financial information.
• Do not call phone numbers listed in the text message. The area code shown does not necessarily reflect where the scammers really are.
• Do not go to Internet sites shown in the text message or e-mail.
If you receive a text message or e-mail on your cell phone that is not from your bank or credit union, delete the message immediately. If you do not know whether you have an account with the bank or credit union, or have a question regarding the message, call the bank or credit union to verify, using the telephone number you would normally use or can verify.
Additional tips to help you avoid identity theft:
• Review your bank and credit statements regularly. If any unauthorized transactions are listed. Notify your financial institution immediately to gain protection against the charges.
• Make sure to monitor your credit reports.
• If you receive a bill or statement, follow up with the company.
• Always keep your passwords confidential. Banks, credit unions and credit card companies will not ask you to disclose them.
