Watch Out for Scam Texts

With the rise of mobile banking and digital communication, scammers have found new ways to target consumers by sending fake text messages that look like they’re from your financial institution.

These “smishing” (SMS phishing) attempts can appear urgent, requesting you to verify a transaction, click a suspicious link, or provide account information.

These texts may use your credit union’s name, reference fake fraud alerts, or claim your account has been locked. But their goal is the same: to steal your personal and financial information.

Here are three ways to protect yourself from these scam texts:

1. Don’t Click on Links or Share Info

If you receive a text that asks you to click a link or enter account info, don’t do it - no matter how official it looks. Financial institutions will never ask for sensitive information like your password or PIN through text. When in doubt, go directly to the credit union’s website or call their official number to verify the message.

2. Know the Signs of a Scam

Look out for red flags:

• Generic greetings like “Dear customer”

• Urgent or threatening language

• Suspicious URLs (e.g., a link that looks similar but not identical to your institution’s website)

If something feels off, it probably is.

3. Report It Immediately

Report suspicious texts to your credit union and forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your carrier. You can also block the number and delete the message. Taking action helps stop fraud attempts and protects others in your community.

Always be cautious with unsolicited texts about your account. If you're unsure, contact your credit union directly using a trusted method. Staying alert and informed is your best defense.