Watch Out for Fake Fraud Alerts in Your Text Messages

Friday, June 23rd, 2023 -- 12:01 PM

(Raymond Neupert, WRN) Security experts are warning of a new type of scam targeting your banking information.

Security experts are warning of a new type of scam targeting your banking information.  It's called "smishing" and refers to spam mail in your text messages. Paul Benda with the American Bankers Association says the fake texts can look convincing.

"It's a fraud alert asking you if you've made a purchase. You hit 'Yes' and someone then immediately calls your number and then tries to convince you that they're from your bank."

Benda with the American Bankers Association says it's just another way for criminals to get you on the phone. "They'll ask for you to confirm your username, your login, and things your banks would never ask. Then they'll send you that one-time passcode because they're logging in 'on your behalf'."

Benda says your bank will never ask for your password over the phone, and they certainly won't ask for that confirmation number. If you get one of these calls or texts, just hang up and ignore it.

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