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How to Protect Yourself from Text Message Scams

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Text Message Scams Text message scams—also known as smishing—are one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud in the United States. From fake delivery alerts to urgent bank warnings, scammers are getting better at making messages look legitimate. For residents in Southeast Texas, staying alert is more important than ever as fraud attempts continue to rise.  

What Are Text Message Scams (Smishing)?

Smishing is when scammers send fraudulent text messages designed to trick you into:
  • Clicking on malicious links
  • Sharing personal or financial information
  • Downloading harmful software
These messages often appear to come from trusted sources like banks, delivery companies, or government agencies.  

Common Smishing Examples

Here are a few typical scams to watch for:
  • “Your bank account has been locked. Click here to verify.”
  • “Package delivery failed—update your address now.”
  • “You’ve won a prize! Claim it here.”
  • “Unpaid toll notice—avoid penalties immediately.”
They create a sense of urgency that pushes you to act quickly without thinking.  

Red Flags to Watch For

Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
  • Unknown or suspicious phone numbers
  • Links that look slightly off (misspellings or strange domains)
  • Urgent or threatening language
  • Requests for passwords, PINs, or verification codes
  • Messages that don’t match your recent activity
 

How to Protect Yourself

Follow these best practices to stay safe:
  1. Don’t click links in unexpected texts Go directly to the company’s official website or app instead.
  2. Never share sensitive information Legitimate organizations will not ask for passwords or codes via text.
  3. Verify before you act Contact the company using official contact information.
  4. Use built-in phone protections Enable spam filters and report suspicious messages.
  5. Delete and report scams Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) to help your carrier block them.
 

Local Awareness Matters

Scammers often target communities with localized messages, such as fake toll notices or regional delivery services.
  • Regional utilities
  • Nearby banks or credit unions
 

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

If you think you’ve interacted with a scam:   Text message scams are designed to catch you off guard, but a moment of caution can make all the difference. Stay alert, stay informed, and help protect your community from fraud. Remember: If a message feels urgent, unexpected, or too good to be true, it probably is. As a valued member of Eastex Credit Union, your financial security is one of our top priorities. Fraud and scams are becoming more common, and we’re here to help you stay protected. Whether you have questions about suspicious activity or want to review your account safeguards, our team is ready to assist. If something doesn’t look right or you simply want guidance on protecting your accounts, please contact us at 409-276-2525 — we’re here to help you every step of the way.  
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