How to Spot an SMS Scam

You’re probably familiar with phishing scams, but have you heard of a smishing scam? Unlike an email or phone call, a smishing scam uses SMS text messaging to try and steal your personal information.

Here’s what you need to know about an SMS message-based scams and how you can keep your information secure. 

How SMS scams works

Smishing scams use text messages to establish contact with the intended victim to later access their personal information.

The scam often begins with a supposedly urgent text appearing to be from the victim’s financial institution. The text may claim that the victim’s checking account is locked, or that there has been an unauthorized purchase charged to the victim’s account. The scammer will warn that immediate action must be taken.

The victim is then instructed to click a link to a website that impersonates your banks website. Since the victim thinks they’re browsing a secure site, they might not hesitate to input usernames and passwords. Once the scammer gets their hands on your info, they are free to steal the victim’s identity, empty their accounts or go on a shopping spree on the victim’s dime.

Who are the victims?

Smishing scams primarily target people who do their banking online, but fraudsters will use any cellphone number they can find. If you own a checking account and a cellphone, you are a potential target for a smishing scam.

Recognizing smishing scams

Your bank will not alert you of a possible fraud or account lockdown via text; we prefer more personal means to help you know it’s us.

If the text message tells you to call a number, don’t call it. Chances are it’s not actually Timberland Bank and will put you on the line with someone who is trying to steal your information!

If you’ve been targeted

If you receive a suspicious-looking text, do not engage the texter! Take a screenshot of the message, call Timberland Bank at 800-562-8761 and let us know about the smishing attempt.

If you’ve clicked on any links or gave a potential scammer personal information, alert your credit card companies and let us know immediately.

Protecting yourself

1. Always use two-factor authentication for banking app and sites.
2. Use strong and different passwords across your accounts and apps.
3. Ignore all text messages from unknown numbers.