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Arvest Bank is warning of a text scam targeting customers. The most recent text scam appears as an Arvest message notifying the customer that their online access has been limited due to an unusual transaction. It then asks the customer to click a link to remove the restriction.

“Scammers are very good at making texts look legitimate while using a fear tactic to get you to click a link and provide sensitive information that gains them access to email, bank accounts and other personal data,” said Tricia Richards, Arvest Branch Services Manager. “At Arvest, we will never initiate contact and ask customers for sensitive information. It’s best practice for customers to only provide that information when they contact their financial institution directly.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams were the leading cause of money lost to fraud in 2023. These include fraudsters pretending to be your bank, the government or other well-known business. Typical text scams can include links that send the customer to websites that ask them to enter personal information, such as financial information, usernames and passwords.

Richards shares some common text scams to watch for:

●       A link that asks you to enter personal information

●       A message that urges you to take immediate action

●       An unprompted request to complete a transaction

●       Claims that your debit or credit card has been locked

●       Missed delivery notifications from delivery services

“If you receive an unexpected text message, take a moment to carefully read it before you click on any link,” Richards said. “Arvest, like many banks, offer fraud protection programs that include text alerts, which can cause customers to be easily tricked into thinking the fake bank message is real. If you’re not sure, contact your bank directly to ask.”

If someone suspects they are a victim of fraud, they can report suspicious activities to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, as well as their local financial institution.