Bank Account Text Message Scam

Be careful of any text messages that claim they are from your bank.

Who Is It Targeting: Bank Account holders

What Is It: A spoofing scam that operates via text message

What Are They After: An ITRC staffer’s relative opened a new account with a well-known bank. After she returned home she received a text message from this entity stating that her debit card had been temporarily blocked. Since she had just opened an account she almost believed the text to be true.

Fortunately, she called the bank directly by using the phone number listed on the back of her card – not the phone number listed within the text message and was informed that it was not from the bank, but rather from a scammer.

How Can You Avoid It: No matter how you receive the message—email, text, or social media message—never click a link, open an attachment, or call the number listed within it.

• Never provide personal details on a call, email, text or social media message in which you didn’t initiate.
• If there is reason to believe there might be something wrong with your account, ignore the contact message and reach out to the company directly for help by calling the number on the back of your card or visiting their official website
• Report the scam to the entity.

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center for toll-free, no-cost assistance at (888) 400-5530.