Text message on a cell phone

Protect Yourself: Beware of Text Scams

Look for these 5 red flags that show up in text scams.

  1. Strange Phone Numbers
    Slow it down. Is that the number your bank usually uses to send text messages?
  2. Urgent Warnings or Requests
    Take a breath. Phishing texts try to create a sense of panic, such as threatening to suspend your account or urging you to log in to verify. Real bank texts won’t.
  3. Odd Grammar or Spelling Mistakes
    Spot check! If you see misspelled words or odd grammar they are all clear signs of an impersonator. Real banks use spell check.
  4. Requests for Personal Information
    If a text message requests personal or sensitive information, such as account numbers, PINs, passwords, or social security numbers, you can assume it’s a scam.
  5. Suspicious Links
    Banks rarely — if ever — send links via text. Don’t click them. Instead, verify the message by visiting your bank’s official website, or calling the number on the back of your card.

BanksNeverAskThat.com

June 20, 2025