Beware of Malicious Text Scams
September 13, 2024
A Guide to Staying Safe from Fraudulent Texts
We have recently become aware of an increase in fraudulent texts targeting customers. These deceptive messages can be sophisticated and convincing, but we want to assure you that Bennington State Bank will never send texts to ask for your personal information.
Falling victim to fraud isn’t something we leave to chance at Bennington State Bank. In today’s digital world, fraudsters are always looking for ways to trick people into giving up personal information. One of their favorite tactics? Sending out fraudulent text messages designed to cause urgency and get you to act quickly. Protect yourself by staying vigilant, and never click on links sent to you in “urgent” text messages from senders you don’t know and trust.
What Are Malicious Text Scams?
Malicious text scams, also known as “smishing” (SMS phishing), use fake text messages to trick recipients into providing sensitive information or clicking on dangerous links. These scams often appear urgent or too good to be true, making you feel the need to act immediately. However, pausing and recognizing these red flags can be your best defense.
Common Text Scams to Watch Out For:
🔒 “You’ve made a big purchase, and you need to confirm it.”
Scammers send fake alerts claiming you’ve made an expensive purchase. They’ll ask you to click a link to verify or cancel the purchase.
🔒 “Your subscription renewal payment did not go through.”
You might receive a text that your subscription (e.g., streaming service, app) couldn’t be renewed due to payment failure. The message will direct you to a fraudulent link to update your payment info.
🔒 “You must confirm a package being delivered to your house.”
Receiving a text about an unexpected package can create confusion, and scammers rely on this, hoping you’ll click a link to ‘verify’ the delivery.
🔒 “You’ve won a great prize, and you need to redeem it.”
Texts announcing unexpected winnings, like gift cards or vacations, can seem exciting. But this is a common way for scammers to obtain your personal information.
🔒 “Your debit or credit card has been locked or frozen.”
This type of scam plays on fear, making you believe your bank account is compromised. The message will often direct you to a fraudulent link to ‘unlock’ your card.
🔒 “You need to confirm suspicious activity on your account.”
This scam urges you to verify your account after detecting so-called ‘suspicious activity.’ Clicking on the link could expose you to malware or phishing attempts.
How to Spot a Scam
While these messages might look official, there are ways to tell if they’re scams:
- Check the sender’s information – Is it coming from a number or email address you don’t recognize?
- Look for errors – Many fraudulent texts contain typos or awkward phrasing.
- Beware of urgency – If the message demands immediate action or threatens consequences, it’s likely a scam.
- Don’t click links or download attachments – Always visit the official website by typing the URL into your browser, rather than clicking on a link in a text.
Bennington State Bank Will Never Ask for Personal Information Via Text
At Bennington State Bank, your security is our priority. We will never ask for your personal information over the phone or through text messages. If you receive a message claiming to be from us and asking for details like your password, account number, or social security number, it’s a scam. Always verify the legitimacy of any communication by contacting us directly using a trusted method, such as calling the number on the back of your card or visiting our website.
Steps to Take If You Receive a Suspicious Text
- Don’t respond to the text or engage with the sender in any way.
- Contact Bennington State Bank if you’re concerned about your account or believe you’ve been targeted.
Stay One Step Ahead of Scammers
Fraud is an evolving threat, but by staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from malicious text scams. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always safer to verify any suspicious communication before taking action.
At Bennington State Bank, your security is our top priority. Visit our fraud prevention page to learn more about how to keep your accounts and personal information safe.
By staying aware of these common scams, you can confidently protect your financial information from falling into the wrong hands.