Text Message Phishing Scams Hit Fort Lauderdale Businesses

Key Points:

• Fort Lauderdale business nearly escapes a text message scam.
• Bank sends a persuasive message trying to manipulate the phone user.
• Did the FBI, IRS, or DEA just send you a text message wanting you to call them?
• These warning signs will give you the upper hand and shut down identity thieves.

It happened again! Another Fort Lauderdale business was almost scammed by a text message they received from Citizens Bank. Fortunately, the business owner remembered they didn’t have an account with this bank and quickly deleted the message and blocked the number.

If you’ve received text messages from unknown numbers, it’s probably another text message phishing scam. Scam artists are so desperate to get their hands on your business or personal information that they’ll pretend they’re from your bank. Mike shows you what to do in this video.

What Is A Text Message Phishing Scam?

A “phishing” scam is deceptive communication using emails and text messages to steal personal or financial information and data. Should the message come in the form of a text, that is called “smishing” which is short message service (SMS) and phishing.

Similar to scam emails, smishing text messages are nothing more than social-engineering phishing scams sent to mobile devices. Inside the text, you’ll often see a persuasive message trying to manipulate you into giving away sensitive information.

Sometimes scam artists are so good at tricking the phone user that the criminal gets precisely what they want. For example, you might have been one of the Fort Lauderdale businesses that received the text from Citizens Bank. Hopefully, you blocked and deleted that message.

Scammers Use All Kinds of Tricks To Target Businesses

Recently, more and more Fort Lauderdale businesses have reported receiving strange text messages from banks. Sometimes the texts request different types of personal information, for instance, log in details, Social Security numbers, and even bank account numbers.

Always remember that legitimate financial institutions like banks, credit unions, and credit card companies do not contact customers by randomly texting them. They also do not ask for any of your personal or business information.

That message you received is probably another text message phishing scam designed to steal your information. When you receive this type of text, do not reply. Instead, call customer service at your bank or credit card company to see if they texted you.

Four Warning Signs That Text Message Is A Scam

The best part about getting text message phishing scams, each follows a simple formula you can quickly spot and protect yourself. Should you know what to look for, you’ll never get scammed or give away your business or personal information.

• A text message asks for your personal information, login details, account number, etc.
• You’re asked to click a link about prize winnings, account problems, or something else.
• Sender states in the text that they are from the government, e.g., FBI, IRS, or DEA.
• The text presents offers like financial aid, products on sale, or free healthcare for life.

As the internet grows, more business and personal information get added. For instance, your business address, phone numbers, people you know, it’s endless. These are just a few typical scams Fort Lauderdale business owners endure from identity thieves.

What’s The Best Text Message Phishing Scam Protection?

As a Fort Lauderdale business or organization, protection always begins with awareness. The more you know, the harder it becomes to trick or persuade you into giving away business or personal information to an unknown number or stranger.

When you receive a strange text message, LAN InfoTech recommends asking these questions. Who sent you this message? Do you recognize the number? What time of day was it sent to you? How did they get your number? If you can’t identify the sender, delete the message and block the number.

For more information about how to protect your Fort Lauderdale business from text message phishing scams, schedule an initial consultation and call us at (954) 717-1990. You can also fill out our online form. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.