The nation's millions of cell phone users have been a target for text messaging scams.  The scam has been dubbed smishing (or SMiShing), a term derived from SMS technology that's used for cell phone text messages.

Although wireless telephone companies are working to block unwanted text messages, users are reporting increasing numbers of spam messages and smishing attacks. Adding insult to injury is the fact that users must pay for the text message they get on their cell phones.

Remember, WWFCU will never contact you via text message or e-mail to ask for your account numbers or passwords.

How the scam works:
Scammers try to trick victims into revealing personal information, such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, and passwords. The personal information is then used to withdraw money from victims' accounts or to obtain credit in the victims' name.

In smishing scams, cell phone users receive a text message that seems to come from a legitimate source, such as a Credit Union, e-commerce site or other financial institution. The message seeks to dupe users into clicking on a link via the phone's internet connection or into calling a certain phone number. Both the link and phone are fraudulent and lead to requests for personal information that can be used for ID theft. Once your identity has been stolen, it generally takes much time and effort to try to regain your lost funds and your good name.

How Members Can Protect Themselves
  • Never respond to unsolicited requests for personal financial information received via text message - even if the request appears to come from a legitimate institution. This  includes requests to "confirm, verify, or update" information.

   • Don't click on links in text messages or call numbers listed in text messages. Verify contact information independently, and key in web addresses yourself.

   • Put passwords on all financial accounts.

   • Monitor credit reports regularly for signs of irregularities. You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call (877) 322-8228, or write to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

If you think you have responded to a fraudulent text message, please call and block your ATM or MasterCard debit card by calling 1.888.241.2510.

Report Text Messaging Scams.
To report text message scams, contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.