How to Spot and Stop Phone and Text Scams
Phone and text scams are on the rise, and scammers are getting more creative every day. They may pretend to be from your bank, a government agency, or even a loved one in trouble. Knowing how to recognize and respond to these scams can help protect your personal and financial information.
Common Signs of a Phone or Text Scam
- Unfamiliar or Spoofed Numbers
Scammers often use fake caller IDs to make it look like they’re calling from a trusted source, like your bank or a local number. If you don’t recognize the number, be cautious. - Urgent or Threatening Language
Scammers try to scare you into acting quickly. They might say your account is compromised, you owe money, or you’ll be arrested if you don’t respond immediately. - Requests for Personal Information
Legitimate organizations will never ask for your PIN, password, or full Social Security number over the phone or via text. - Suspicious Links or Attachments
Text messages that include links to “verify your account” or “claim a prize” are often phishing attempts. Clicking these links can install malware or lead to fake websites. - Payment Demands
If someone asks you to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, it’s a scam. These payment methods are hard to trace and recover.
How to Protect Yourself
- Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. Let them go to voicemail.
- Never share personal or financial information unless you initiated the contact and are sure of who you’re speaking with.
- Don’t click on links in unsolicited texts. Visit official websites directly.
- Use call-blocking and spam-filtering tools on your phone.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
If you think you’ve been scammed or shared sensitive information:
- Contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts.
- Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Scammers are always evolving, but so are the tools to stop them. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and when in doubt, hang up or delete the message.
Being in the know is the first step to protecting yourself and your business from cyber fraud. Choice Bank is committed to providing you with up-to-date resources and tips to help you stay informed. Learn more at bankwithchoice.com/cybersecurity.