Smishing scams are particularly dangerous because they can be very convincing. The messages often mimic legitimate communications from your financial institution, complete with logos and professional language. However, there are ways to identify and avoid these scams, ensuring your personal information remains secure.
Knowing how to spot a smishing scam is the first step in protecting yourself. Here are some common red flags to watch out for:
Unexpected Texts: If you receive a text message out of the blue claiming to be from your credit union, be cautious. Legitimate institutions will rarely, if ever, contact you this way without prior notice.
Urgent Language: Scammers often use urgent language to create a sense of panic, prompting you to act quickly without thinking. Phrases like "Your account has been locked" or "Suspicious activity detected" should raise immediate concerns.
Poor Grammar and Strange Web Addresses: Legitimate communications from your credit union will be professionally written. Watch for poor grammar, misspellings, or strange web addresses, as these are common indicators of a scam.
If you believe you've received a smishing text, it's important to take immediate action to protect your information. Here are the steps you should follow:
Do Not Click on Any Links: Clicking on a link in a suspicious text can lead to a fake website designed to steal your information. Instead, type the official website address of your credit union directly into your browser.
Contact Your Credit Union Directly: If you're unsure whether the message is legitimate, contact your credit union using a verified phone number. Confirm with them whether any action is needed on your part.
Report the Smishing Attempt: Reporting smishing texts to your carrier or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can help stop scammers and prevent future attacks. Your vigilance can make a difference.
To further protect yourself from smishing and other types of fraud, it's essential to adopt best practices for secure online banking:
Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords that are difficult to guess. Avoid using easily accessible information like birthdays or names.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code, in addition to your password.
Regularly Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your account statements and report any suspicious activity to your credit union immediately.
At Oklahoma Central Credit Union (OCCU), we prioritize the security of our members' personal information. Here are some ways we protect you from scams:
We Never Ask for Personal Info by Text: OCCU will never request personal information or login credentials via text message. If you receive such a message, it is not from us.
Secure Website Access: Always type occu.org directly into your browser to log in securely. This ensures you are accessing our legitimate website.
Educational Resources: We provide our members with educational resources and tips on recognizing and avoiding scams. Knowledge is your best defense.
If you encounter a smishing attempt, reporting it can help prevent others from falling victim. Here's how you can do your part:
Report to Your Carrier: Forward the suspicious text to your mobile carrier's spam reporting number, often 7726 (SPAM).
Report to the FTC: File a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. Your report helps authorities track and combat scams.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from smishing scams and ensure your personal information remains secure. At OCCU, we are committed to supporting and protecting our members through every step of their financial journey. Stay safe and informed, and together we can thwart these scammers.