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SMISHING ALERT: BEWARE OF FRAUDULENT TEXT MESSAGES AND CALLS
As your trusted [Bank/Credit Card Issuer/Utility Company/Computer Company], we want to remind you of the importance of being cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or text messages seeking personal, financial, or security information.
How to Protect Yourself from Smishing
- Never give out sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers over the phone or through text messages.
- Be wary of calls or texts claiming to be from your bank or other financial institutions asking for verification purposes. Legitimate institutions will never request personal information via unsolicited calls or texts.
- If you receive a suspicious call or text, hang up immediately and do not respond.
Why Smishing is a Concern
Smishing is a type of fraud where scammers use fake phone numbers or emails to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. This can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and even serious consequences such as imprisonment.
What to Do If You’ve Been a Victim of Smishing
- Report the incident to your local Garda station immediately.
- Inform your bank or financial institution of the suspicious activity.
- Monitor your accounts for any unusual transactions.
Stay Protected with These Tips
- Always verify the authenticity of calls and texts by contacting the company directly using a known phone number or email address.
- Keep your personal information private and never share it with strangers.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts and avoid using public computers or Wi-Fi networks to access sensitive information.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
By being aware of smishing and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this type of fraud. Remember, if it seems too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is! Stay vigilant and stay safe with [Bank/Credit Card Issuer/Utility Company/Computer Company].