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Updated: March 25, 2025 @ 7:15 am
Photo courtesy of the Angelo State University Office of Communications and Marketing
Staff Writer
The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center has identified a new consumer fraud attack that appears through text messages. The victims receive false SMS alerts for suspicious transactions from financial accounts. The scammer, who claims that the SMS is part of an FBI investigation, then prompts the recipient to contact them for confirmation of the transaction.
From there, the scammers will encourage the victim to transfer their funds into a new account through an ATM. During this process, the victim will be given a debit card number that is linked to the scammers’ accounts. Additionally, they will occasionally use video calls during this phase. Finally, the scammer will tell the victim to delete the card number they were given and get rid of any receipts of the transaction, which effectively removes any connection the scammer has to the payment.
These situations are far too common and at times extremely convincing. Be aware of what information you are giving out to unknown sources and the methods that individuals use to contact you about personal information. Adam Colby, the FCIC director, urges the public to maintain caution, stating, “Please remember that law enforcement and banks will never ask for sensitive information via text or phone. Never provide information about your bank account or debit or credit cards to someone who calls you or texts you.” Falling victim to fraud can result in identity theft or a heavy financial loss.
To avoid such issues, maintain awareness of who is contacting you and what means they use to reach you. Be sure to block messages relating to financial or personal information, keep transaction records, ensure private information remains private, or prevent sharing information over phone calls with unknown numbers.
If you do find yourself in a situation where you have shared information with an unsafe source, immediately freeze all financial accounts and report the fraud to law enforcement. If any money was withdrawn from your account through an ATM, you may be able to ask for the surveillance footage. Ensure that you save any communication between you and the scammer, and save any receipts from transactions that took place. This saves evidence for law enforcement.
Make sure to avoid sharing information with anyone who is not a part of a trusted organization. Keep financial records, safely monitor your personal messages, and above all, stay safe.
Staff Writer
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