Text messaging scam attempts to steal personal and account information

A scam currently circulating involves unsolicited text messages sent to cell phones. The message urges the recipient to call a number provided for information about account discrepancies and then solicits individual account information and pin numbers. Such a scam could be used to obtain personally identifiable information and credit union account access information if you access your accounts using your cell phone.

What can I do to protect myself?
Be weary of unsolicited text messages. Such messages should be deleted and all deleted text messages should be removed, if possible, as the perpetrators have been known to use Spyware¹ in conjunction with their text message solicitation.

We also suggest you sign up for our Fraud Prevention e-LERT. Our Fraud Prevention e-LERT will immediately advise you when we have added a new article or warning to the ‘Fraud Alert' section of our website.

¹ Spyware is software installed on your computer or cell phone without your consent and it monitors or controls your use of the device. It may be used in your cell phone for such things as monitoring your Internet surfing, activating your speaker phone as a listening device, taking pictures with your phone camera, copying your contacts, or recording your keystrokes, which, in turn, could lead to identity theft.