Beware of Fake Text Messages
Duke Credit Union will not contact you for personal information over the phone or via text.
Scammers are sending fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information — things like your password, account number, or Social Security number. If a scammer gets that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers.
Scammers often try to get you to click on links in texts by promising you something.
- free prizes, gift cards, or coupons — but they’re not real
- offer you a low or no interest credit card — but there’s no deal and probably no card
- promise to help you pay off your student loans — but they won’t
Scammers send fake messages that say they have info about your account/transaction.
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity on your account — but they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your payment information — but there isn’t
- send you a fake invoice and tell you to contact them if you didn’t authorize the purchase — but it’s a scam
- send you a package delivery notification — but it’s fake
The messages might ask you to give some personal information — like how much money you make, how much you owe, or your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number — to claim your gift or pursue the offer. Or they might tell you to click on a link to learn more about the issue. Some links might take you to a spoofed website that looks real but isn’t. If you log in, the scammers then might steal your username and password.
Other messages might install harmful malware on your phone that steals your personal or financial information without you realizing it.
What To Do About Spam Text Messages
If you get a text message you weren’t expecting and it asks you to give some personal or financial information, don’t click on any links. Legitimate companies won’t ask for information about your account by text.
If you think the message might be real, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real. Not the information in the text message.
There are many ways to filter unwanted text messages or stop them before they reach you:
- On your phone you may have an option to filter or block spam or messages from unknown senders
- Through your wireless provider you might have a tool or service that lets you block calls and text messages
- With a call-blocking app you may be able to block unwanted text messages
How To Report Spam Text Messages
If you get an unwanted text message, there are three ways to report it:
- Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future.
- Report it on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.