If your phone has been buzzing with strange text messages lately, you’re not alone. Maybe it’s a message saying your package couldn’t be delivered, you need to pay a toll, or an alert from a bank you don’t even use. These are text message scams, also known as smishing (SMS + phishing), and they’re on the rise. In 2024, according to the FTC, Americans reported $470 million in losses from smishing attacks. This was more than five times what victims reported losing in 2020.

Why Are Text Scams Increasing?

1. Texting Feels Personal, and Hackers Know That

Most people trust their text messages more than emails. Texts feel more urgent and more likely to come from someone you know. Scammers count on that emotional response to get you to act quickly.

2. Phone Numbers Are Easy to Get

You’ve likely entered your phone number into dozens of apps, websites, or stores over the years. If one of those databases is breached, or if your number is sold to a third party, it can fall into the wrong hands. Once scammers have a list of phone numbers, they send mass texts and wait for someone to bite.

3. It’s Cheap and Fast for Scammers

Smishing messages are easy to send, and scammers use bots to text thousands of numbers at once. Many of the fake messages include links that lead to lookalike websites designed to steal your login credentials, card numbers, or personal information.

What Do Text Scams Look Like?

Here are some of the most common types of recent text scams:

• Fake Delivery Notices: “Your UPS package is delayed. Click here to reschedule.”
• Unpaid Toll Notice: “You have an unpaid toll. Pay now to avoid penalties.”
• Bogus Fraud Alerts: “Your account has been locked. Visit this link to reactivate.”
• Gift Card or Prize Offers: “You’ve won a $100 Target gift card. Claim now!”
• Job Offers or Surveys: “We’re hiring remote workers at $500/week. Apply here.”
• Fake Family or Friend Messages: “Hey it’s me. I lost my phone. Can you send me money?”

These messages often use urgent language and include a link. They may even appear to come from a familiar area code or spoofed number.

What Should You Not Do?

• Don’t click on any links. Even if the message looks legitimate, visit the website directly instead of clicking through a text.
• Don’t respond. Replying “STOP” to a scammer confirms your number is active, which could lead to more scams.
• Don’t share personal information. Your bank, credit union, or government agency will never ask for your login credentials, account numbers, or full Social Security number via text.

How to Stay Safe

1. Slow Down

If a message makes you panic, stop and think before acting. Scammers rely on emotional reactions to bypass your judgment.

2. Verify Through Official Channels

If a message claims to be from a business or financial institution, contact them directly using the number or website you trust, not the one in the message.

3. Report and Block

Most phones allow you to block the number and report it as spam. 

4. Use Mobile Security Settings

Turn on spam protection or “filter unknown senders” on your device. It won’t catch everything, but it helps.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Fallen for a Scam

If you’ve clicked a suspicious link or entered your personal info:

• Change your passwords, especially for your email and financial accounts.
• Contact your financial institution to monitor or freeze your accounts if needed.
• Watch your accounts closely for any unfamiliar charges or login attempts.

Text scams are here to stay, but with a little caution and awareness, you can stay one step ahead. Remember, it’s okay to question messages that feel off, and it’s always safer to double-check. At Members 1st Credit Union, we’re here to help. If you ever receive a suspicious message claiming to be from us, please contact us directly before taking any action.

If you're ever unsure, we're just a call away at (530) 222-6060.