North Brookfield Savings Bank Warns About Spike in Text Message Scams
Scammers stop at nothing to try to get your personal information, including sending you text messages. Text’s from unknown numbers can be a common occurrence and sometimes they are sent with malicious intent. North Brookfield Savings Bank has gathered the details on text message scams to share how to stay safe, and how to properly report any messages you think might be a scam.
About Spam Text Messages
Scammers send text messages primarily as an attempt to get people to give them personal information – things like passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they obtain personal information, they could easily gain access to things like emails, bank accounts, or take out loans and credit cards.
Scammers use a variety of changing tactics to try to steal information. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) scammers may:
- promise free prizes, gift cards or coupons
- offer a low or no interest credit card
- promise to help pay off student loans
- send messages that say they have some information about your account or a transaction
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity on an account
- claim there’s a problem with payment information
- send a fake invoice and saying to contact them if the purchase wasn’t authorized
- send a fake package delivery notification
Links in Your Text Messages
Along with the text message sent to you, scam messages may include a link. It is vital you never open a link sent through text unless you are completely certain you know the source. Scammers hope that you will open the link, believing it is from a credible source. Unfortunately, by opening the link you could install viruses and malware on your device. Additionally, sometimes the link will lead to a page asking you to enter your personal information to claim the prize, package, or special offer. Once this information is shared the scammers can use this data however they choose.
What to Do
If you receive a text message unexpectedly, or from an unknown number, and it asks for personal information or requests that you open a link, DO NOT. Legitimate sources will never ask for personal or account information by text. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of the message always seek out an alternate source of contact for the organization.
BLOCK THE NUMBER
We have compiled instructions below that explain how to block a number on an iPhone or Android device.
REPORT THE MESSAGE
According to the FTC, there are three ways to report a text message scam. North Brookfield Savings Bank’s Security Center also has a page dedicated to help you to report fraud and scams of any type, should you find yourself a victim.
- From within your text app
For iPhones
For Androids - Copy the message and forward it to 7726
- Report it to the FTC under mobile devices or telephones
DELETE THE TEXT
After reporting the text message scam, it is important that you delete the text from your messages to avoid inadvertently opening the suspicious link.
We’re Here to Help
As always, North Brookfield Savings Bank is here to help you. If you are ever a victim, or think you might be, of a scam or fraud, we provide comprehensive resources through our online Security Center. You can quickly take action, based on the type of scam or fraud, through our Report Fraud and Scams webpage. And you can also contact our fraud team if you need to speak with a North Brookfield Savings Bank representative about your concerns.
