Cell phone users beware! Fraudsters have found a new way to scam people through text messaging. In a time inundated with identity theft scams such as vishing, phishing and check fraud – just keeping the names of them straight can be difficult. But keeping your identity safe doesn't have to be.

The Newest Scam: How It Works
Text messaging scammers send a text message from an unrecognizable number, but the content is most likely a friendly message such as, “When can we catch up?” or “Hey there, buddy.”  You may be asked for personal information, or may be texting back to a number that charges extremely high rates per text.

Other text scam tactics include sending texts stating that your credit union account or credit card account has been closed due to suspicious activity. The text then provides a number to call for more information. When you call, you are asked for personal information like Social Security and bank account numbers.

• If you are receiving unwanted text messages, be careful. Contact your cell phone company and find out how to avoid receiving spam texts. They can help prevent text messaging fraud by adding spam filters to your account.
• Exercise the same caution you would when giving out a mobile phone number as you would with a personal e-mail address or other personal information.
• Never respond to unsolicited text messages – it lets the sender know they've reached a working number.
• If your wireless provider bills you for unsolicited messages, contact them and ask them to remove the charge.
• If your cell phone company won’t waive the fees, file a consumer complaint. The Bureau of Consumer Protection will work with them to resolve any problem or issue.
• If you do not wish to receive any text messages at all, ask your cell phone provider to block all text message services on your account.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends never turning over private information based on a text message request. Contact Chaco Credit Union if you suspect you've been scammed. You can also file a complaint on the Federal Trade Commission's Web site, www.ftc.gov, or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.