Missouri Bank Issues Emergency Warning about New Text Scam

I don't pay attention to texts normally, but I certainly do when it's coming from my bank and I'm sure I'm not alone. A Missouri bank has just issued an emergency warning about a new text scam that portrays itself as coming from them, but it's not.

Homebank in Hannibal, Missouri just issued this status update on their social media page this week alerting customers of a new scam that even uses their brand name claiming there's been a fraudulent charge. Spoiler Alert: It's NOT them.

As Homebank in Hannibal mentions, they never text customers about a charge. No bank with best practices contacts customers like this. Here's the problem. If you respond to their yes or no request, that will lead you into a situation where the bad guys will ask you for personal information including your bank account that could rob you blind.

When I'm not saying questionable things on the radio, I am also a certified computer tech and have seen this type of scam play out numerous times. As a rule, never click a link in an email or a text that you did not specifically ask for. If you think there might be a legitimate reason that your bank is contacting you, contact them directly through a known safe method and never through a link in an email or a text. You will certainly regret it if you do.