Smishing

[ProfMoneyWise]

Thieves are now using text messages to steal your personal information
Scammers are finding new ways to get your personal information and now they are invading your cell phone. It's called SMISHING. They send text messages to your cell phone making false claims to obtain personal information.

The most common SMISHING scam so far is a text message claiming your bank account is frozen, and a toll free number is provided to call to clear things up.

If you get a "SMISHING" text remember these tips:

1. Do not reply to the message. It could be a test to see if your number is active, which could result in more unwanted messages.

2. Call your bank immediately. Financial institutions do not communicate with their customers through a text message.

3. Call your cell phone provider and have them put a block on premium text messages.

 

[Vince]

If you just delete the message and don't reply, how would they get anything from you? Why do I need to call my bank, etc.

 

[ItalianScallion]

If you just delete the message and don't reply, how would they get anything from you? Why do I need to call my bank, etc.

So they can try to locate the source. I used to get Verizon phishing emails that said my internet usage was exceeded and I need to log into my account and upgrade it. They (of course) provided the link that (of course) went to their site where they could get your personal info when you typed it in.

I contacted Verizon and sent then the email, they found the source and notified their customers about the scam.