FBI Warns Bank Customers of Texting Scam

The FBI is warning Utahns about a scam that has been making the rounds yesterday and today on cell phones across the state. Several bank customers are receiving what appears to be an urgent message from their financial institution. The message is being delivered via text. Here’s an example of one of those text messages:

“Your CARD starting with 5537 has been DEACTIVATED. Please contact us at…”

The text lists a telephone number. Once customers call, they are asked to reveal personally identifiable information, such as a bank card number or Social Security number.

“The FBI wants every Utahn to know that this is a scam,” said James S. McTighe Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Division. “When people get a text stating that their credit card has been deactivated, they may panic and call the phone number that’s been provided.”

Anyone who receives this type of text should contact their bank directly to inquire about the status of their account.