Reports note use of text message scams

Jan. 28, 2009 – In a recent fraud targeting Sprint cell phone users in several states, criminals are using text messages purportedly from financial institutions – including credit unions – in order to get people to disclose their personal financial information.

According to a story in Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, consumers are sent a text message asking them to reply with their bank account and PINs, or personal identification numbers. The phone number with the text message is typically false and leads consumers to enter their information through an automated system.

The Tribune-Review also noted that Sprint cell phone customers in dozens of states, including New York, Michigan, Missouri and Texas, have been targeted by this scam.

A Jan. 16 story on this Web site reported on a text message scheme targeting members of Empower FCU in Oswego, N.Y. Text messages in this scam directed members to call a toll-free number where they were prompted to provide personal financial information. Additionally, members at Teachers CU in South Bend, Ind., and Mobil Oil FCU in Beaumont, Texas, have been targeted in recent weeks by text message scams.

NCUA has issued an alert to credit unions about such scams.

A warning has also come from Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden. On Jan. 23, the Idaho Press-Tribune reported that criminals are sending text messages to random cell phones asking consumers to be part of a “protection program.” The texts, which claim to be from the Bank of Cascades, ask consumers to call a telephone number where a recorded message prompts them for their credit card numbers.

To report text message scams, contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Credit unions can also warn members about such scams with NAFCU’s statement inserts and other materials. For more information, click on the link below.