Scenario
Instead of sending you a phishing email, scammers send you a cell phone text message, supposedly from your bank, asking you to visit a website whose address looks genuine.
How It Works
It isn't, and once keyed in, takes you to a bogus site that asks for personal details so the bank can "unlock" or "verify" your account. Currently, this scam is making the rounds in Columbia, MO.
Self Defense
As with all phishing emails, never follow a link, even one you have to manually key in, that you don't know for sure is valid. Never provide confidential information unless you know the site is secure. This is shown in a web address that has an "s"in the "https" part of the address line and/or a padlock icon in the message area of your browser. Editor’s note: The best advice is don’t click on any information in a questionable email.