Text Message Scams are on the Rise!

You’ve probably heard of phishing, where someone attempts to steal your personal information through email. Due to the rise in popularity of texting, scammers are now attempting to trick victims through text messages.  It’s called SMS phishing, or “smishing.” These text messages typically try to lure you in to providing your personal information such as passwords, account numbers, or social security numbers.

Many of these texts are effective because they look like they’re coming from legitimate businesses. These scams are not limited to text messages as you could also receive emails or phone calls pretending to be reputable companies that are looking to steal your personal details.

Here is what you need to know in order to keep your STCU Account Secure:

  • Smishing in similar to phishing in that  scammers send a text message in order to trick you into giving away personal information.
  • Never click any links in text messages that you do not know.
  • Never respond back to the smishers
  • Contact Star of Texas Credit Union directly to confirm that the text came from us before sharing any account information.
  • Report all smishing texts to your mobile provider by texting 7726
  • Block the smishing number

Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of Protecting Yourself 

DO

  • If you’ve received a message from a company that appears to be reputable, but you are not sure, find a contact number through the companies website and call them directly. Do not call a phone number in the email or text. Make sure that you’re using a legitimate phone number for the business. Once you have a secure phone number, contact the business directly to see if they did send you a text message or email.
  • Forward spam and scam texts to 7726 (SPAM). Once you confirm the number is a smisher, forward it to 7726. This sends the text message to your carrier so that they can investigate.

DO NOT

  • These scams often look real and can appear to be a local number. Do not be fooled by a familiar area code. Smishers use tools to make it seem like the message is coming from a local number
  • Never click on a link in the text message. These are often used to install malware or key loggers, which tracks what you type. If you accidentally click on a link in a scam text message, consider installing an antivirus app to scan your device.
  • Do not respond to suspicious links. Text responses can be used to verify your phone number and gain access to your personal details. Some financial insinuations do use text messages to verify suspicious activity. These text messages will NEVER request your personal information. Call Star of Texas Credit Union with any concerns at 1-800-258-3228. .

Report Fraud

Star of Texas Credit Union will never reach out to members asking them for their personal information through text messages. If you think you have been a victim of smishing report unauthorized transaction to us at 1-800-258-3228.