Text & Phone Scams

Think Before You Respond. Scammers May Be on the Other End.

Scammers frequently use phone calls and text messages to impersonate banks, government agencies, businesses, and even family members.

These messages are designed to create urgency, cause confusion, or convince you to share personal information.

Technology also allows criminals to make calls and messages appear as though they are coming from legitimate phone numbers. This is known as caller ID spoofing.

Common text message scams (Smishing)

Smishing is a type of phishing conducted through text messages.

You might receive a message claiming:

• Your debit card has been locked.
• A suspicious transaction needs verification.
• Your bank account requires immediate attention.
• A package delivery could not be completed.
• You have an unpaid toll or outstanding fee.
• You have won a prize or are eligible for a refund.

These messages often include links that lead to fraudulent websites designed to collect your information.

Example:

You receive a text message stating that your debit card has been temporarily suspended. The message includes a link to restore access.

The link takes you to a website that looks like your bank’s online banking page. You enter your username, password, and verification code. The scammer now has the information needed to attempt to access your account.

Common phone scams (Vishing)

Vishing is phishing conducted through voice calls.

A caller may pretend to be:

• A bank employee or fraud investigator.
• A government agency representative.
• A law enforcement officer.
• A technology support representative.
• A family member in an emergency.

The caller may sound professional and convincing. They may even know some of your personal information.

Be especially cautious if someone asks you to:

• Provide your PIN or online banking password.
• Read a one-time verification code.
• Transfer money to another account.
• Purchase gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Install software that gives them remote access to your device.

How to protect yourself

• Never trust a caller simply because the phone number looks familiar.
• Do not click links in unexpected text messages.
• Never provide sensitive information in response to an unsolicited call or text.
• Hang up if a caller pressures you or makes you uncomfortable.
• Independently contact the organization using a trusted phone number.
• Do not reply to suspicious messages, even to request that the sender stop.
• Report unwanted or fraudulent text messages using your phone’s reporting features or by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM), where supported.

What if you receive a suspicious bank message?

Do not click the link or call a phone number provided in the message.

Instead, contact Stoughton Co-Operative Bank directly using a known, trusted phone number to verify whether the message is legitimate.

Remember

Caller ID can be faked. Text messages can be fake. Websites can be fake.

If you receive an unexpected request involving your money or personal information, stop and verify it before taking action.