Banks Warn About New Texting Scam

March 1, 2010

Area banks and credit unions are warning people not to respond to text messages that lead you to call a toll free number about your accounts.

textscam.jpgThe text messages appear to be from your bank or credit union and provide a toll free number.

“Reports are that return calls to the number have the recipient enter card or account data which is ‘validated’ by having it entered a second time. The senders of the messages are conducting a “text-phishing scam,” attempting to trick recipients into providing sensitive financial information,” according to a statement from Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union. Customers of other financial institutions have also reportedly received the text messages.

NorthEscambia.com has received numerous emails from residents in the North Escambia area reporting that they have received such a message.

Gulf Winds and other banks and credit unions do not ask for personal information in text messages or emails. If you receive such a text or email, you are advised not to respond. If you have already responded to such a message and provided your financial information, you should contact your credit union or bank immediately.

Comments

5 Responses to “Banks Warn About New Texting Scam”

  1. JKS on March 2nd, 2010 6:05 am

    My husband and I both got the same message suppose to be coming from Coastal Credit Union; I also responsed by texting them back to find out how they got our numbers and it rejected my text. The crooks are getting more clever these days.. Thanks for spreading the warning !

  2. Atmore Resident on March 1st, 2010 8:13 pm

    We got a message like this but did not respond. I thought cell numbers are not private anymore and there are ways they can be got. Just as with emails – it’s always better not to open or respond to any message you are in doubt about. If these people would just put half the effort in something legal. I don’t understand people like these are.

  3. bamagirl on March 1st, 2010 2:32 pm

    I got the message and called the number; I wanted them to answer bc I wanted to know how they got my #…..people are crazy

  4. mom on March 1st, 2010 12:51 pm

    I got this text the other day. As a matter of fact my husband and I got it at the same time. It said it was from Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union, and our accounts were locked for us to call a number. We tried calling the number just to see but it would say they weren’t accepting calls. This is crazy wonder how they are getting our cell numbers?

  5. Heather on March 1st, 2010 9:40 am

    Thanks for the information.