'Smishing' — Text Message Fraud

Once again, we alert you to a "text message" that scammers are using in an attempt to steal our members' personal information.  It's called "Smishing" (SMS + Phishing), and is a form of text-message fraud that occurs when criminals, posing as financial institutions, attempt to dupe mobile phone users into revealing personal information by calling a phone number.

Remember...

• PLCU will never contact you by e-mail, phone, or text message and ask for your banking information.
• Never include personal or sensitive information in a text or e-mail message.
• If you need to telephone your bank or credit union, always use a phone number you obtained from a known source, such as your monthly statement, the official web site, or the phone book.  Never use a phone number from an unsolicited e-mail or text message.

If you receive a message like the one in the picture, call us immediately (toll-free) at 888-495-3400.  You should not reply by texting, nor respond to the phone number listed.  In addition, you may contact us, and e-mail or forward any suspicious messages you receive to security@plcu.com.

Related Scams

Phishing — E-mails that lead you to a counterfeit web site that tries to get your personal information.

Vishing — E-mails that tell you to call an 800-number to "restore" your online banking account (after you give up personal information).