How to Spot a Text Message Scam: 5 Warning Signs Every Consumer Should Know
Your phone buzzes. The text looks like it might be from your bank, a delivery company, a government agency, or a familiar business. It says there is a problem, a package, a refund, or an urgent account issue. Before you tap the link, pause.
Text message scams, also called smishing, are designed to make people react quickly. Scammers know that a short message can feel official, especially when it mentions money, account access, or a time-sensitive problem.
At Anderson Brothers Bank, we want customers to feel confident in recognizing warning signs before a scam has a chance to do harm. A simple rule can help: Stop. Check. Protect.
Warning Sign #1: The Message Creates Urgent Pressure
Scammers often use urgency because they want you to act before you think. A text might say your account will be locked, your card will be suspended, or you must respond today to avoid a problem. Slow down before taking action.
Warning Sign #2: The Link Looks Suspicious
Scam texts often include shortened links, misspelled website names, or web addresses that look close to a real company but are not quite right. A link may send you to a fake website designed to steal your login information.
|
Stop. Check. Protect. Do not click a link in an unexpected text. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website or contact the business using a trusted phone number. |
Warning Sign #3: It Asks for Personal or Financial Information
A legitimate bank will not ask you to send your online banking password, PIN, full account number, Social Security number, or one-time verification code by text. If a message asks for that information, treat it as suspicious.
Warning Sign #4: The Sender Looks Strange
Scam texts may come from unknown numbers, long international numbers, email addresses, or numbers that do not match how the company normally contacts you. Even if the message appears to come from a familiar number, do not rely on that alone.
Warning Sign #5: Something Feels Off
Misspellings, odd punctuation, awkward phrasing, unusual capitalization, or a generic greeting can all be warning signs. Some scams are polished, but many still contain clues that the message is not legitimate.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text
- Do not click any links.
- Do not reply, even to say “stop.”
- Do not share personal, banking, or login information.
- Report the message to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Contact ABB directly if the text claims to involve your account.
When in Doubt, Contact Us Directly
If you receive a suspicious text that claims to be from Anderson Brothers Bank, do not use the phone number or link inside the message. Contact ABB directly using a trusted source. We would rather help you check a message than have you take a risk.
Fraud prevention content is educational and does not guarantee prevention, recovery, or reimbursement. Customers should contact Anderson Brothers Bank directly via a trusted phone number, the official website, or a local branch if they believe their account or personal information may be at risk.
What is smishing?
Smishing is a form of phishing that happens through text messages. Scammers send fake texts that may appear to be from a bank, delivery company, retailer, or government agency to trick people into clicking links or sharing information.
How do I know if a text from my bank is real?
Do not rely on the text alone. Anderson Brothers Bank will never ask for your password, PIN, full account number, or one-time verification code by text. If a message feels suspicious, contact ABB directly using a trusted phone number or website.
What should I do if I clicked a link in a scam text?
Close the page, do not enter information, change affected passwords from a trusted device, monitor your accounts, and contact your bank if you shared information or believe your account may be at risk.
Can I get scammed just by opening a text?
Simply opening a text is generally lower risk. The bigger risk comes from clicking links, downloading files, replying to the message, or entering personal or financial information on a fake website.
How do I report a scam text message?
You can use your phone’s report junk option when available, and report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If the message claims to be from ABB, contact us directly.