“Smishing” New Cell Phone Text Message Scams

Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFCU) was notified of a new scam called “smishing” that targets cell phones through text messages, instructing cell phone users to either visit a website or call a phone number in an attempt to obtain personal account information or passwords.

If you receive a suspicious text message on your cell phone, DELETE IT and remove all deleted text messages! 
In one scam, the user is urged to go to a spoofed version of the credit union’s website where they are asked for personal account information, like PINs or passwords. 

In another scam, the text urges the recipient to call a number due to account discrepancies.  The unsolicited text message not only attempts to obtain personal information but downloads spyware onto your cell phone.  Spyware can be installed on your cell phone without your consent and can be used to monitor Internet surfing, activate your speaker phone as a listening device, take pictures with your phone camera, copy your contacts, or record your keystrokes.

If you receive a suspicious text message and access your LAPFCU account(s) using the targeted cell phone, please contact LAPFCU immediately at 877-MY-LAPFCU (877-695-2732), so we can implement the necessary safeguards.