Scammed by Text Message

By now you should be well aware of e-mail scams: authentic-looking messages “from” your bank or credit card company that are actually from scammers “phishing” for your personal information. But now scammers have gone mobile. They are sending similar messages to cellphones via text messaging.

So keep an eye out for “alerts” from banks or credit card companies – even if they look official – urging you to call a number or text back personal information. Instead, call the financial institution directly through its official phone number (found on your statement, card, or the company website) to find out if there really is a problem with your account.

A good rule of thumb: Never, ever give out PIN numbers, bank account details, or Social Security numbers over the phone (or through a text message) to sources you don’t know. That goes for e-mail, too.

(Source: Consumerist)

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