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Smishing

Smishing is when a text message is sent to a cell phone urging the recipient to call a number provided to find out more information about an account discrepancy at their financial institution or for some other purpose. The message usually solicits account information and PINs. If such a text message is received, do not respond and the message should be immediately deleted and removed.

Tips to avoid smishing scams:

  • Be suspicious of texts requesting that you call a number regarding your account.
  • Do not reply to suspicious texts with any information or call back the number listed on the text.
  • Contact the business/organization that is claimed to have sent the text directly. Use a published phone number.
  • Never send personal information (e.g. credit or debit card number, Social Security number, or PIN) in response to a text request from any entity.
  • Report suspicious texts to the business/organization claimed to have sent the text.

Western's text policy:

  • Western does not request personal information via text.
  • Western recommends that the provision of any personal information be made via our secure online form (https://www.western.org/applications/email.htm) or by contacting our Call Center at 877-254-9328.
Smishing Alert - June 2009
Western has learned of a new smishing scam where some members have reported receiving a cell phone text message saying: "This is an message from your credit union. Your ATM card is deactivated, to reactivate call XXX-XXX-XXXX." If you receive a message such as this, please do not respond to it or provide personal information to the number provided. Western will not send fraud alerts to our members via text. If you feel you may have been a victim of this text messaging scam, please contact our Call Center at 877-254-9328. For more information about how to protect yourself from fraud, visit our Identity Theft and Fraud page.
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