Recognize and Protect Yourself from Text Scams

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:

1. Check the sender’s information – Is it coming from a number or email address you don’t recognize?
2. Look for errors – Many fraudulent texts contain typos or awkward phrasing.
3. Beware of urgency – If the message demands immediate action or threatens consequences, it’s likely a scam.
4. 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

1. Don’t respond to the text or engage with the sender in any way.
2. 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.