FortBendNow.com

The Texas Attorney General’s Office has issued a warning to Schlumberger Employees Credit Union members that they may be the target of a “smishing” scam aimed at obtaining personal information that could lead to identity theft.

“Smishing” involves scam artists using fraudulent cell phone text messages to obtain information that can be used to steal a victim’s identity or access the person’s personal accounts.

Some members of the Sugar Land-based credit union have complained to the AG’s office that they have received fraudulent text messages claiming their Schlumberger Employees Credit Union debit card has been deactivated for security reasons.

The text messages instruct cardholders to call an 800-number and provide personal information to reactivate their cards.

The scam is reportedly operating throughout the Houston area.

Effective spam filters have not yet been developed for cell phone text messages, leaving them more vulnerable to scams, the AG’s Office pointed out. Very few text messages are blocked by filters or cell phone providers.

The attorney general warned that individuals should never provide personal information in response to unsolicited text messages, e-mails or telephone calls, even if they appear to be from a legitimate business. Additionally, recipients should never click on links provided in unsolicited e-mails or text messages.

Banks do not send unsolicited electronic messages or make unsolicited phone calls asking customers for their personal information, the AG’s office warning pointed out.

Customers with questions about the validity of any communication claiming to be from a financial institution should contact that institution directly by telephone or in person.

The following tips will help residents avoid becoming a smishing or identity theft victim:

-         Assume unsolicited text messages are fraudulent.

-         Become familiar with the financial institution’s policies for communicating with customers.

-         Upon receipt of an unsolicited text message, call the actual business at a telephone number that appears on a bank statement, credit card or debit card or the telephone directory.