Phishing Text Messages

Fraudsters are using text messages to broaden their scamming reach. They know text messages quickly grab attention and are using it to target people with deceptive messages. The message often impersonates legitimate agencies, companies, or people and asks for your immediate attention. It can also impersonate someone you know. If the message does not seem "normal" or seems odd, follow your gut and contact the sender directly. Some examples of suspicious text messages are:

"Hi, text me back as soon as you get this message." This example was received from an employee from the CEO who does not have a personal relationship with the employee.

Messages stating that a debit or credit card has been deactivated with instructions to call a number. DO NOT call the number provided. Call the financial institution directly.

Messages about a prize or unsolicited shopping discount with a website link. DO NOT click on the link. Websites requesting personal information should start with "https://" indicating that the website is secure. When in doubt, look up the company and contact them directly.