02 Mar Safeguarding against text message spam
How Sunwest Bank Protects You
Once considered a mere annoyance, text message spam has become a gateway for cybercriminals to compromise personal or financial information. As your trusted financial institution, Sunwest Bank is committed to safeguarding you from these emerging threats. Whether seeking peace of mind or a business looking to protect your customers, understanding how to prevent, identify, and report spam text messages is critical.
What Is Text Message Spam?
Text message spam refers to unsolicited or unwanted messages sent to your mobile device. These messages are typically designed to deceive you into providing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. These messages often appear to offer gifts, discounts, or other promotions, but the true goal is far more insidious: to collect your data, infect your phone with malware, or, worse, steal your identity.
Sunwest Bank recognizes that protecting customers from text message spam goes beyond educating users. It requires a proactive, multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. By enabling spam protection, you can guard your personal and financial data and reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams.
Why Am I Suddenly Getting Spam Texts?
One of the most frequent concerns we hear from customers is, “Why am I suddenly getting spam text messages?” There are many potential reasons. You may have unknowingly shared your phone number with a malicious website, or your number could have been harvested through data breaches. Some customers are targeted randomly by spam sent through auto-dialing technology designed to reach as many people as possible. There is oftentimes nothing you could have done to prevent it, which is why identifying it is of extreme importance.
As frustrating as it may be, Sunwest Bank assures its customers that there are steps they can take to minimize and ultimately prevent spam. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) prohibits companies from sending unsolicited text messages to consumers unless they have permission or a pre-existing relationship. While these regulations are in place, scammers are adept at finding ways to bypass them. That’s where your vigilance and Sunwest Bank’s guidance can make a difference.
How to Identify Fake Text Messages
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated in how they craft messages to deceive consumers. While some spam messages are obvious, others can closely mimic legitimate communications. So, how can you identify a fake text message?
- Unexpected Offers: Be wary of any messages offering something that seems too good to be true, such as free products, gift cards, or lottery winnings.
- Urgent Warnings: Scammers often use urgency to create panic. If a message claims your bank account or personal information is at risk, take a moment to verify the sender’s legitimacy.
- Suspicious Links: Never click on links from unknown senders. Doing so could lead you to a fake website designed to steal your data or download malware onto your device.
- Misspellings and Grammar Errors: Many spam messages originate from international sources, and their poor grammar and spelling are often telltale signs of a scam.
Understanding Smishing: A Growing Threat
One of the most common and dangerous forms of text message spam is smishing, a type of social engineering attack that is the text version of phishing. Smishing involves sending fake mobile text messages designed to trick recipients into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or even sending money directly to cybercriminals. These messages often impersonate trusted institutions, including banks, delivery companies, or even friends, making them difficult to spot.
The aim of smishing is to create a sense of urgency or curiosity that causes you to take immediate action without considering the risks. For instance, a smishing message might claim that your bank account is compromised and prompt you to click a link to “verify” your account information. However, clicking that link could lead you to a fake website designed to steal your credentials or install harmful software on your device.
What Happens If You Reply to a Scammer Text?
Replying to a scam message can expose you to further risk. When you respond, scammers know your number is active, which may result in more targeted messages. Sometimes, simply responding may trigger a cascade of future scams, or worse, your personal information could be extracted without your knowledge.
Sunwest Bank encourages customers to take a hands-off approach: Do not reply to unsolicited texts, no matter how legitimate they appear. This is the best way to protect your mobile device.
How to Stop Spam Text Messages
Taking control of your phone’s spam protection settings is your first line of defense. Both iOS and Android devices offer tools that allow you to block and report spam text messages.
- Filter Unknown Senders: By activating this feature, your device will automatically filter messages from unknown numbers into a separate folder, ensuring you only see messages from known contacts.
- Block Spam Texts: You can manually block phone numbers that have sent spam texts, preventing future messages from that sender.
- Call Blocking Services: Many phone carriers offer call and text blocking services for free or for a nominal fee. These services can help you block messages from suspicious or spammy numbers.
Why Am I Getting Random Texts from Strangers?
Receiving random texts from strangers can be unsettling, but it’s a common tactic used by scammers. These messages often appear to come from someone you know or a legitimate business, making it easy to fall into the trap. Usually, the goal is to elicit a response or trick you into clicking a link.
At Sunwest Bank, we recommend that customers avoid interacting entirely with these messages. Instead, forward them to 7726 (SPAM), a service most major carriers provide to help report spam texts. You can also register your number with the National Do Not Call List, although this does not entirely prevent unsolicited messages.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Most spam text scams target personal and financial information. Scammers may ask for your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information, often disguising their request as part of a legitimate business interaction. Protecting this information should always be your top priority.
Can a Scammer Get Anything from a Text?
The unfortunate reality is that scammers can extract valuable data from something as simple as a text message. By clicking on malicious links, downloading files, or providing personal information, you can inadvertently give scammers access to sensitive data.
At Sunwest Bank, we emphasize the importance of securing your personal details. Never share personal information via text message, especially if the request seems out of place or suspicious. Legitimate companies, including Sunwest Bank, will never ask for your financial details through text.
Reporting Spam Text Messages
If you receive a spam text, it’s essential to report it to the appropriate authorities. Reporting not only helps protect you but also contributes to broader efforts to combat cybercrime. At Sunwest Bank, we advise customers to take the following steps:
- Forward the Message: Send the spam text to 7726 (SPAM), which will alert your mobile carrier and help them block the sender.
- Report to the FTC: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint, providing as much detail as possible about the spam text.
- Monitor Your Account: Regularly review your phone bills and bank statements for suspicious charges. If you notice anything unusual, immediately report it to your mobile carrier and financial institution.
How Do I Access Spam Texts?
Many mobile devices automatically filter spam messages into a separate folder. On iPhones, this is the “Unknown Senders” folder, while Android devices may label it as “Spam” or “Blocked Messages.” You can review these folders to check if any legitimate messages were mistakenly filtered out.
Empowering Businesses to Combat Spam
Sunwest Bank’s commitment to spam protection extends beyond individual customers. Businesses are equally vulnerable to spam attacks, and the consequences of a breach can be catastrophic. Whether it’s protecting employee data or safeguarding customer information, businesses must take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming a target of spam text scams.
How to Stop Unwanted Spam Texts in a Business Setting
Businesses should adopt robust spam filters and security protocols to protect employees and customers from spam text attacks. Encouraging employees to remain vigilant and educating them on recognizing fake text messages can also reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.
Sunwest Bank offers comprehensive security solutions designed to help businesses stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. We support your business’s security needs, from advanced spam filtering services to employee training.
How to Report Text Message Spam
Taking immediate action when you receive a spam text message is crucial not only for your own safety but also for the broader effort to combat these scams. Reporting text message spam helps authorities track down cybercriminals and prevents others from becoming victims. Here are some ways you can report spam messages effectively:
- Forward the Message to 7726 (SPAM)
Most major mobile carriers in the United States provide a service to report spam messages by forwarding them to 7726 (which spells “SPAM”). This process is free and helps your carrier block future spam from the sender. Simply open the message, select “Forward,” and enter 7726. Your carrier may follow up to ask for more information, such as the phone number that sent the spam.
- File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays a key role in combating fraudulent messages. You can report spam texts by filing a complaint at ftc.gov/complaint. Include as much information as possible, such as the content of the message and the sender’s number. Your report helps the FTC track down and take action against scammers.
- Report to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG)
For spam texts that contain links leading to fake websites, you can report the message to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) at [email protected]. This helps the group identify and shut down phishing websites used by cybercriminals.
- Use Built-In Spam Reporting Tools on Your Device
Most smartphones have built-in tools to report spam messages. For example, on both Android and iOS devices, you can block and report the message directly from your messaging app. This action will notify your phone carrier and also prevent the number from contacting you again.
- Contact Sunwest Bank
If you receive a text message that appears to be from Sunwest Bank but seems suspicious, contact us directly before taking any action. Do not click on any links or provide any personal information. Our customer support team is ready to verify the legitimacy of any communication from the bank and assist you in staying secure.
Reporting spam texts not only keeps you safer but also contributes to a larger effort to combat cybercrime. By taking these steps, you’re helping to create a more secure digital environment for everyone.
Stay Safe with Sunwest Bank
At Sunwest Bank, your security is our priority. We go beyond traditional banking services to provide our customers with the tools, knowledge, and resources to stay safe from evolving cyber threats, including spam text messages. You can confidently protect your personal and financial information by taking advantage of our expert guidance, blocking services, and proactive solutions.
We are here to help you navigate the challenges of the digital world. Together, we can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and keep your information secure.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and rely on Sunwest Bank for all your cybersecurity needs.