Text-message phishing scams are on the rise and becoming more sophisticated, with cybercriminals using AI to craft messages that appear to be from trusted sources like banks. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report found that phishing scams resulted in nearly $19 million in losses in 2023. While authentic notifications from banks can be helpful, it’s important to be able to distinguish between real messages and fraudulent ones.
If you receive a text message from your bank, the first step is to check if you have consented to receive such messages. Log in to your bank account from the official website and review your communication preferences to see if you have enabled text notifications. If you haven’t, be suspicious of any messages claiming to be from your bank. If you have enabled texts, there are red flags to look out for to determine if a message is legitimate, such as requests for personal information or claims of urgency.
In response to a suspected phishing text, it’s best to contact your bank directly by calling the number on the back of your card or their official website. Avoid clicking on any links in the message and never provide personal information. If you have interacted with the text in any way, contact your bank immediately for fraud or security issues. It’s also important to report the scam to both your bank and the FTC by forwarding the message and providing any necessary information.
To stay safe from banking scams, remember to never engage with text messages from your bank, even if they appear to be real. Always verify the authenticity of a message by contacting your bank directly, and be cautious of any requests for personal information or urgent actions. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect your accounts from phishing scams and keep your financial information secure.
