Text Message Fraud: How to Avoid Getting Hooked
Got a text like one of these?
“Outstanding Toll Balance. Resolve now.”
“You’re eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment. Click here to claim.”
“Your package was not able to be delivered. Provide delivery information here.”
“Your account is locked. Tap here to unlock it.”
“Confirm your recent purchase of $1,200 now.”
“You’ve won a prize. Claim it immediately.”
They may sound urgent, serious, or even helpful. But these messages are likely scams.
At Michigan United Credit Union, we want to help you protect yourself from text message fraud, one of the most common and fast-moving types of mobile scams today. Knowing how these work is the first step toward defending your privacy, your money, and your peace of mind.
What Is Text Message Fraud
Text message fraud, often referred to as smishing (SMS phishing), is when criminals send fake messages to your phone in order to trick you into sharing personal or financial information. These messages often impersonate banks, government agencies, shipping companies, and online stores.
They may try to get you to:
- Click on a fake link
- Respond with sensitive data
- Install malware through a download
- Call a fraudulent phone number
Common Warning Signs
Look for these clues that a text message may be a scam:
- Unfamiliar phone numbers or shortcodes
- Misspelled words or awkward phrasing
- Urgent language asking you to act quickly
- Hyperlinks that seem strange or shortened
- Requests for personal information like passwords or account numbers
Messages that seem too good to be true, such as prize winnings or surprise refunds
How to Protect Yourself
- Do not click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown senders
- Never reply to text messages that ask for private or financial information
- Use your phone’s spam and fraud filters to block unwanted messages
- Verify any claims directly by visiting the company’s official website or calling a known number
- Enable two-factor authentication on your financial and email accounts
- Monitor your bank accounts and credit regularly
- Keep your phone’s software up to date and use mobile security tools
What To Do If You Responded to a Scam Text
If you clicked on a link, downloaded something, or shared personal details:
- Contact Michigan United Credit Union right away so we can secure your accounts
- Change your online banking and other related passwords immediately
- Monitor all account activity closely
- Report the message to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your wireless carrier
Your Credit Union Is Always Here to Help
If something feels off, do not ignore your instincts. We encourage members to call us directly with any questions or concerns about their accounts. Our fraud prevention team is here to support you.
Pause Before You Respond
Text scams are getting more clever, but so are smart, cautious consumers like you. Always take a moment to question the unexpected, especially when a message asks for personal action. Sharing this knowledge with friends and family can also help them avoid falling into a trap.
Need help setting up fraud alerts or reviewing recent transactions? Contact Michigan United Credit Union today.