According to the Federal Trade Commission in 2024, consumers reported losing $470 million to scams initiated with text messages. This staggering number is five times higher than the amount reported in 2020. Below are the five most common types of text message scams.

Package Delivery

Messages about package deliveries typically come from someone pretending to be with the U.S. Postal Service or other delivery services. They will typically provide a link to a fake site where you will pay a small “redelivery fee” in which they can gain access to your credit card information or Social Security number.

Job Opportunities

Scammers pretend to be recruiters saying you are the perfect fit for an online job earning a lot of money with little to no effort. These “jobs” are fake and usually end up asking you to send some money to finish your tasks or to guarantee your paycheck. Do not respond to these messages. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.

Fraud Alerts

Did you receive a text message claiming there was a large transaction on your account telling you to reply with YES or NO to verify it? This text message scam may even escalate the situation by saying all your accounts and money are at risk. The scammer claims he needs your account information to protect your finances. Once they receive that information, they can drain your account.

Unpaid Tolls

Some impersonators pretend to be from highway toll programs from all over the country. They request payment of an unpaid balance by clicking a link. These charges, as well as the message, are not legitimate. In this scam, criminals are attempting to obtain your credit card information or even your Social Security number.

“Wrong Number”

You may have received an innocent looking text saying “hello” or “do you want to get dinner later?” These seemingly harmless text messages are sent by people trying to form a fake friendship, often with romantic undertones. After forming a relationship, they claim to be successful investors who want to share their advice with you by getting you involved with a phony investment platform.

Will West Bank Text Me?

West Bank may send you informational text messages if you have signed up for text message alerts. Furthermore, West Bank may send you text message verification codes for online banking services as a part of our multifactor authentication process. West Bank will never ask you to share this verification code, and you should never share the code with anyone who requests it. Additionally, West Bank will never text you requesting your account information or ask you to log in to your account with a provided link.

Keep these tips in mind when analyzing a text message.

1. Strange phone numbers – Is this the phone number the bank usually uses to contact me? If not, be cautious in responding immediately.
2. Urgent warnings or requests – Phishing texts try to lead you into a sense of panic. Take a breath, and analyze the request being made. Real banks will not text you threatening to suspend your account or urging you to log in to verify your identity.
3. Odd grammar or spelling mistakes – If there are misspelled words scattered throughout the message, this is a clear sign of a scam.
4. Requests for personal information – Real banks will not ask you to send over confidential or sensitive information including your account numbers, PINs, passwords, or social security number.
5. Suspicious links – If the text message contains a link, don’t automatically click on it. Verify the message by checking the bank website or calling customer service.

Reporting Text Message Scams

You can report text message scams in a variety of ways.

1. Forward messages to 7726 (SPAM). This will help your wireless provider locate and block similar messages.
2. Report it on either the Apple iMessages app or Google Messages app.
3. Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.