|
SDCCU shares tips on how to avoid text message scams.
Text message scams, otherwise known as "smishing" scams, have become one of the easiest ways for people to get scammed. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), victims reported $330 million in losses to text scams in 2022. It's simple for someone to get tricked into believing these text messages are legitimate, as we are so accustomed to being on our phones text messaging family and friends on a daily basis. There are many different examples of smishing messages. Below are four of the most common types of scam text messages that victims reported to the FTC last year. • Bank Fraud Messages: These types of messages appear as if they are from your actual bank or credit union. The fraudster will ask if you attempted to make a purchase and will request a reply. Once you reply, they will either call or send a link for additional personal information. If you receive a text like this, contact your financial institution immediately using the contact number on their official website. Do not rely on the number provided in the text. • Free Gift or Winner Messages: Have you received a text informing you of winning a "lottery" or "free prize" with a link attached? If you have, you guessed it –– it's a scam. Fraudsters will claim they are from a company you know and will ask you to pay a "shipping fee" in order to receive your prize. Unfortunately, this is a way for fraudsters to steal your credit card information. • Package Delivery Messages: Scammers will pose as popular delivery services like USPS, FedEx or UPS requesting additional home delivery information to be submitted via a link in the message in order to receive the package. This is a scam to collect personal information. Again, check the specific tracking information on the documents directly from the vendor. • Job Offer Messages: Although this seems like it would be an easy scam to spot, these messages can sound enticing. These types of messages vary from a company offering "easy money" in exchange for secretly shopping at a retail store to requesting an interview for a position that you didn't apply for. These messages end with a link to "fill out an application." A company will never inquire about a job offer or interview via text message. To access additional resources to help guard against fraud and scams, visit sdccu.com/scams. | 
