Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Weekly Tip - Wells Fargo "Smishing" Scam

Have you received a text on your cell phone telling you to contact Wells Fargo? If you receive such a text, delete it and DO NOT respond. This image was sent to us from an Arcadia resident. This form of phishing, known as smishing, is using SMS or text messaging in an attempt to gain your personal and confidential information. 

Glendora Police Department posted a similar warning this morning via their Facebook page. This type of scam pops up from time to time and has occurred nationwide, recently in the area using local telephone numbers.

Wells Fargo has good information posted on their website, along with reporting links should you be victimized.
"Never take action on a request for your personal or financial information, including account numbers, passwords, Social Security number or birth date. If you receive a text message expressing an urgent need for you to update your information, activate an account, or verify your identity by calling a phone number or submitting information, on a website, do not respond and delete it. These messages may be part of a phishing scam conducted by fraudsters in an attempt to capture your confidential account information and may be used to commit fraud."
Take the time to visit your bank or credit card websites and review recommendations on how to prevent fraudulent activity on your accounts. Most financial institutions have web pages dedicated to fraud prevention. Remember, never share your information unless you have initiated the contact and are sure of who you are dealing with. Banks and credit card companies will not call, text, or email you asking for personal, confidential information. 

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