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A text message arrives out of nowhere, warning that something is wrong with an account and demanding immediate action.
That's exactly what scammers are counting on.
Multiple reports and law enforcement agencies are warning consumers about a growing wave of phishing text messages, often called "smishing" scams, claiming unusual activity has been detected on a financial, technology, or other online account.
The messages are designed to create panic. Recipients are told their account has been locked, restricted, or targeted by suspicious activity and are urged to click a link or call a number immediately.
The scam typically follows a familiar pattern.
First comes the warning message. Next comes a link directing victims to what appears to be a legitimate website. In reality, the site is controlled by scammers and designed to collect usernames, passwords, credit card information, one-time verification codes, and other sensitive data.
Experts say several warning signs can help consumers spot the fraud.
Among them are messages demanding immediate action, generic greetings that omit the recipient's name, and suspicious web addresses that contain misspellings or unusual domain names.
Consumers are urged not to click links contained in unexpected text messages and never provide passwords, PINs, or verification codes in response to a text.
Anyone concerned about a possible issue should instead visit the organization's official website, use its mobile app, or call the customer service number listed on official correspondence or the back of a bank card.
Cybersecurity experts say taking a few extra seconds to verify a message independently can prevent identity theft, financial losses, and unauthorized access to online accounts.