Burnsville, Minn – October 31, 2014– Ever since
texting became standard practice, consumers nationwide have reported receiving
unsolicited text messages. Some of these messages are nothing more than
annoying spam – shady marketing ploys – but others have led to surprise charges
on cellphone bills. In some cases, text messages people have received have even
purported to be from their banks or credit unions. Better Business Bureau of
Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) reminds people to be leery of offers or
informational messages received via text, as there may be a hook attached!
Smishing is when scammers attempt to obtain or steal
personal information via fraudulent cellphone textcommunications. These
messages are usually designed to get the recipient to follow up with personally
identifiable – or sensitive financial – information. The fraudulent messages
generally claim there’s a problem with the recipient’s debit cards, credit
cards or bank account, and that the accounts in question have been frozen.
People are then prompted to call a toll-free number, where they’re instructed
to provide their personal or account information, opening the door to identity
theft and/or fraud.
To avoid smishing and other text message scams, consumers
are advised to:
Contact BBB at 1-800-646-6222 if you have concerns about
a text message you’ve received. Trained resource specialists are on hand from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer questions from the public.
· Never
provide personal or financial information to unknown parties and don’t click on
any embedded Internet links in unsolicited text messages.
· Unless
you’ve signed up for text alerts, don’t respond to text messages allegedly sent
by your bank or credit union. Even if you have signed up for such alerts, it’s
always a good idea to verify the information you’re given.
· If
you have concerns about your bank or credit card accounts, contact your local
branch or credit card provider directly as soon as possible.
· Stay
calm. Keep in mind that if there is a problem with one of your bank or credit
card accounts, it can be straightened out. Call or visit your financial
institution and speak with a representative.
· Don’t
rely on your caller ID. Scammers can use technology to make it appear as though
their calls and texts are coming from legitimate businesses or financial
institutions.
Check for grammatical errors.
Smishers are getting more creative as far as how they attack their victims, but
some don’t even take the time to correct simple mistakes like spelling errors.
If you receive a spam message
containing a marketing offer, monitor your cellphone statement regularly to
monitor for unusual charges. Contacting your cellphone carrier to block premium
text messages may help prevent unauthorized charges.
Report the incident to
organizations such as BBB, the FTC and local law enforcement. Spreading the
word may help prevent others from falling victim to bogus text messages.
Some consumers have also reported receiving text
messages saying they’ve won cash prizes or new cars. As with emailed messages
of this nature or phone calls you might receive, BBB advises people to apply
common sense – does it sound too good to be true? Also be on the lookout for
spam text messages that give you an ‘opt-out’ option. In those situations, BBB
suggests simply deleting the message, as any action you take tells the sender
your number is in use and that could open the door to still more spam text
messages.
For the latest fraud alerts, marketplace news and free
BBB Business Reviews, visit bbb.org.
