Scam texts trick consumers into sharing banking info

Better Business Bureau

BBB warns consumers to be on the lookout for smishing scams

Many consumers have their bank account conveniently at their fingertips. Better Business Bureau warns to watch out for text messages that pose as bank alerts asking you to confirm account information. These scam texts, known as smishing, are a relatively new way to steal personal information.

The scam may consist of a text message that appears to be an alert from a bank which you may or may not have an account with. The text tells you to verify your account by either following a link or calling a phone number.

The details of the scam vary. Banks of all sizes, from local businesses to multi-national institutions, have been targeted by scammers using a variety of messages and techniques.

However, the desired outcome is the same. If you call a number or go to a website, scammers will use the opportunity to obtain your banking information.

For example, the phone number or website may prompt you enter your ATM card number and PIN in order to"reactivate your ATM card." Other times, the link may download malicious software that gives scammers access to anything on the phone.

BBB has these tips in case you receive a misleading message:
• Ignore instructions to text "STOP" or "NO." This is a common ploy by scammers to confirm they have a real, active phone number.

• Forward the texts to 7726 (SPAM on most keypads). This will alert your cellphone carrier to block future texts from the number.

• Verify the web address. If you think your text message is real, be sure the link provided is directing to a web address like "yourbank.com" not "yourbank.otherwebsite.com."

• Call the bank or check out their website. See if your bank has been targeted by a scam. They will likely have further information about it. This often includes an email address where you can send a screen shot or details about your scam text to help identify and stop the scammers.
Learn what your cellphone carrier has to say about stopping spam. Click here for advice from ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint.

To check out a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org.

About Better Business Bureau:
BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.

Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.

Contact BBB serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin at (512) 445-4748.


Scam texts trick consumers into sharing banking info Better Business Bureau BBB warns consumers to be on the lookout for smishing scams Many consumers have their bank account conveniently at their fingertips. Better Business Bureau warns to watch out for text messages that pose as bank alerts asking you to confirm account information. These scam texts, known as smishing, are a relatively new way to steal personal information. The scam may consist of a text message that appears to be an alert from a bank which you may or may not have an account with. The text tells you to verify your account by either following a link or calling a phone number. The details of the scam vary. Banks of all sizes, from local businesses to multi-national institutions, have been targeted by scammers using a variety of messages and techniques. However, the desired outcome is the same. If you call a number or go to a website, scammers will use the opportunity to obtain your banking information. For example, the phone number or website may prompt you enter your ATM card number and PIN in order to"reactivate your ATM card." Other times, the link may download malicious software that gives scammers access to anything on the phone. BBB has these tips in case you receive a misleading message: • Ignore instructions to text "STOP" or "NO." This is a common ploy by scammers to confirm they have a real, active phone number. • Forward the texts to 7726 (SPAM on most keypads). This will alert your cellphone carrier to block future texts from the number. • Verify the web address. If you think your text message is real, be sure the link provided is directing to a web address like "yourbank.com" not "yourbank.otherwebsite.com." • Call the bank or check out their website. See if your bank has been targeted by a scam. They will likely have further information about it. This often includes an email address where you can send a screen shot or details about your scam text to help identify and stop the scammers. Learn what your cellphone carrier has to say about stopping spam. Click here for advice from ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint. To check out a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org. About Better Business Bureau: BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities. Contact BBB serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin at (512) 445-4748.
Alice Business Today - June 2013