One of the many ways that criminals try to steal your personal information is through an online banking alert text scam.
In short, this refers to an unsolicited message that is sent to your phone. The message claims to be origination from your bank. Of course, it isn’t.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the steps you can take to protect your bank accounts and yourself from online banking alert text scams.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Online Banking Alert Text Scam
- Can Banks Send Alerts Over Text Messages?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Explore Your Options?
Online Banking Alert Text Scam
Online banking alert text scam is a tactic criminals use to steal personal bank account information. Individuals should never click on links or share information via text message with a third party claiming to be their bank. Instead, you should only insert account details into secure online portals you are familiar with or in person at the bank.
That said, many people get trapped by these scams, sharing online banking information with numbers that contact them out of the blue. And unfortunately, even informed, prepared, and vigilant targets can get tricked.
To combat these sorts of online banking and text scam alerts, individuals should develop a habit of never clicking unsolicited links. Instead, you should only click links and insert information if you knew a link would be arriving from your bank or if went to a website using a domain that you are familiar with. Any other scenario presents a risk to your information and bank accounts.
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Can Banks Send Alerts Over Text Messages?
Banks can send alerts over text messages. However, this is a popular tactic to try and steal bank account information. With this in mind, text messages from banks are only for information purposes. Your bank will never ask you to share account information.
Should You Send Personal Information to the Bank via Text?
You should never send personal information to the bank via text message. Instead, if your bank requires you to take action or provide information, you should log into your account using the same online banking portal that you always use. Alternatively, you can visit the branch in person to provide any required information or documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions we receive from people looking into online banking alert text scams. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Will a Bank Send You a Text Message?
Your bank will never send you a text message asking you to confirm account details. That said, banks may send you a text message for informational purposes. Importantly, you should never click a link or share account details via text message.
What Is an Online Banking Alert?
An online banking alert may refer to an informational message that your bank has sent. This can include confirming a recent transaction, informing you your statement is ready for review or providing details of upcoming closures. That said, your bank will never ask you to confirm account details or insert information.
Is a Bank Mobile Alert a Scam?
If you receive a bank mobile alert from an unfamiliar number and it is asking you to confirm your account details, it is likely that a criminal is trying to steal your bank account information. If this happens to you, never click a link or share any details about yourself or your bank account.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
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Of course, if you have any questions, please contact us directly.
