FORT SMITH, Ark. — Arvest Bank tells customers a recent text scam has been notifying bank users of suspicious activity on their account.
Arvest officials say the message is telling the customers their online access is limited due to an unusual transaction. It tells customers the restriction can be lifted by clicking on the link provided in the message.
"Scammers are very good at making texts look legitimate while using a fear tactic to get you to click a link and provide sensitive information that gains them access to email, bank accounts and other personal data," Fort Smith Branch Administrator Heather Polk said.
Polk assures customers that Arvest will never initiate contact or ask for sensitive information.
"It’s best practice for customers to only provide that information when they contact their financial institution directly," she said.
According to Polk, here are the warning signs that someone is trying to scam you:
- Texted link asking you to enter personal information
- A message urging you to take immediate action
- An unprompted request to complete a transaction you did not initiate
- Messages that your debit or credit card has been locked
- Messages posing as a delivery service saying you missed a delivery
"If you receive an unexpected text message, take a moment to carefully read it before you click on any link," Polk said.
Arvest does have offer a fraud protection program that updates you through text alerts, which can cause confusion when the scam texts come through.
Polk asks you to contact your bank directly if you are uncertain about the legitimacy of a message.
You can also report any suspicious fraud activities to the Federal Trade Commission's website.
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