Avoid Suspicious Texts and Emails

The following are some helpful tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of a smishing/phishing scam:

  1. Do not reply to the text or email message. Instead of responding, contact the company or financial institution directly if there is any question regarding your accounts. We will never ask for you to provide this type of personal financial information through a text message or through a URL link. We encourage you to call one of our representatives immediately at 256-734-1740 if you receive any message from what appears to be our bank asking you to do so. 
  2. Do not follow any website links. Again, it is better to call the company or financial institution directly to discuss anything given in a text message.
  3. Look for suspicious features of the message. If the message has a sense of urgency about responding, it is more than likely a smishing attempt. You will know what alerts you have established for your phone; don’t be fooled by something that looks different.
  4. If it appears to be “too good to be true,” it probably is. Be cautious of any text or email stating that you have one a great prize, especially if you do not remember entering into a contest. The best way to counter these types of offers is to call the company directly about the text. Ask the right questions, and check with the Better Business Bureau before doing anything. Nine times out of 10, you will find that these are all scams. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can receive something for nothing. It is not worth it!

Remember, once your personal information is in the hands of a thief, he/she is going to use it maliciously, causing you all sorts of problems in the future. If you uncover that the message is a scam, you should report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). To prevent further smishing attempts on your phone, you can also ask your cell phone provider to block the number. 

The next time you receive an unsolicited text, resist the urge to respond. By doing so, you stop a scammer and protect your assets in the process, which is a win-win situation for you. 

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