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Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Bank text scams
In today’s digital age, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. One of the most effective being bank text scams, where fraudsters attempt to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or transferring money. It’s crucial to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect yourself.
Common bank text scam tactics
Bank text scams often involve urgent requests for personal information or immediate action. Scammers may claim that your account has been locked or compromised and request personal information to verify your identity. Or you may receive a text message notifying you of unusual charges or unauthorized transactions on your account.
The text urges you to click a link which will take you to a look-a-like login screen for your bank. If you enter your credentials, the fake webpage will feed them directly to the scammer, and then your account is under their control.
Protecting yourself from bank text scams
While it can be difficult to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent text messages, there are some key indicators to watch out for. Scammers often make mistakes in their messages, which can be a red flag, but artificial intelligence (AI) is making this more difficult to spot. Just be on the lookout for unusual wording or spelling. A safe bet is to be wary of any text message that asks for personal information or financial data and never respond to a text that you’re unsure about.
To protect yourself from bank text scams, follow these tips:
Never click on links in unsolicited text messages
Don’t share personal information with anyone over text
Verify the authenticity of any text messages from your bank by calling the customer service number directly
Be cautious of urgent requests for information
Report suspicious activity to your bank immediately
By being aware of bank text scams and taking proactive measures to protect yourself, you can help prevent financial loss and maintain the security of your accounts.
Ross Bentzler is Executive VP and Information Security Officer for Alpine Bank. Ross has worked in the information technology field for two decades, focusing on information security for 13 years.