Protecting Yourself from Fraudulent Messages

The Rise of Text Scams

In an age where digital communication dominates, text scams have become increasingly prevalent. Both credit unions and financial institutions like Rally Credit Union have seen a surge in reports of members falling victim to deceptive tactics. These scams often involve fraudulent phone calls or text messages purporting to be from legitimate sources, aiming to obtain sensitive personal information or financial data from unsuspecting individuals.

Recognizing the Threat

Scammers employ various techniques to deceive recipients into divulging confidential information. One prevalent tactic involves sending text messages that appear to originate from trusted entities, such as Rally Credit Union, alerting recipients to issues with their accounts. These messages typically prompt recipients to click on links or call provided numbers under the guise of resolving purported issues.

How to Spot a Text Scam

Understanding the hallmarks of a text scam is crucial for safeguarding against fraud. Here are some key indicators that a message may be fraudulent:

• Sender Information: Scrutinize the sender's details to ensure legitimacy. However, refrain from clicking on any links or calling numbers provided in the message.
• Unsolicited Requests: Legitimate financial institutions like Rally Credit Union will never solicit sensitive information via text message. Be wary of any text requesting such details.
• Spelling and Grammar: Poor spelling or grammar in a message is often a red flag for fraud. Legitimate communications from reputable organizations are typically free of such errors.
• Suspicious Links: Exercise caution when confronted with links in text messages, especially if they deviate from the institution's official website address.

Preventing Text Scams

Protecting oneself from text scams requires vigilance and proactive measures. Consider the following steps to mitigate the risk of falling victim to fraudulent messages:

• Avoid Engagement: Refrain from responding to suspicious texts or clicking on embedded links, as doing so may inadvertently confirm the validity of your contact information to scammers.
• Verify Authenticity: When in doubt, contact Rally Credit Union directly using official contact information to verify the legitimacy of any communication received.
• Utilize Security Features: Take advantage of your phone's settings to block unknown senders and filter potentially harmful messages.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of emerging scam tactics and share knowledge with friends and family to collectively combat fraud.
• Enroll in Alerts: Sign up for Online/Mobile Banking, set up account alerts, and download our SmartCard app where you can control spending, guard against fraud, and manage your debit card.

As the prevalence of text scams persists, it is imperative to remain vigilant and informed to protect against fraudulent schemes. By exercising caution, recognizing potential threats, and taking proactive measures, individuals can safeguard their personal information and financial assets from exploitation. Together, through heightened awareness and collective action, we can thwart the efforts of scammers and uphold the integrity of our financial systems.

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For more information about text scams, visit ftc.gov/TextScams.