Oklahoma Attorney General Warns Of Fake Text Message From Banks

Attorney General Scott Pruitt says some Oklahoma residents are receiving fraudulent text messages that seek personal financial information.

The attorney general's Public Protection Unit has issued a consumer alert. It was prompted by several telephone calls from consumers about text messages that appear to be from their bank.

The messages ask recipients to call a telephone number to resolve their account's negative balance. Consumers who call are reportedly asked for their debit card information and Social Security numbers.

Pruitt says the scam is known as "smishing" and it's another way criminals are trying to obtain personal and financial information.

Pruitt offers tips to help consumers avoid scams:

• Ask the companies you do business with about their policy on contacting customers;
• Don't provide personal or financial information unless you have initiated the communication to a verified reputable business;
• Never share debit card PIN numbers with anyone;
• Don't feel pressured to provide information before obtaining additional information or verification;
• Avoid responding or opening links in text messages or e-mails from unknown sources.

The messages appear authentic and can lure consumers into providing information which can cause financial loss and identity theft.  

Scott Pruitt says if you have received a fake bank text message or have a question about a possible scam, contact local law enforcement and the AG's Public Protection Unit at 405-521-2029 or publicprotection@oag.ok.gov, or file a complaint online at www.oag.ok.gov.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.