Arvest customers are being targeted by scammers impersonating Arvest Bank. The fraudsters send different variations of scam text messages which might appear legit to ordinary folks. If you’ve got a text message allegedly from Arvest that urges you to click on a link, it’s likely a smishing scam. Read on to find out details of the trending scam texts and how to stay protected;
Arvest Text Scams
1 Charge Processing Arvest Alert
One of the scam text messages claims recipient has an Arvest purchase to confirm. The commonly mentioned online store is Target, VPS* BestBuy, or Walmart. It is obviously a smishing scam as the link contained in the text message is not the legit Arvest website ‘arvest.com‘;
Another variation tells recipients to reply YES to confirm or visit a link to confirm;
2 ”Online Access is Restricted Due To an Unusual Transaction” Scam Text
This variation of the scam text claims recipients online account has been flagged and restricted due to suspicious activity. The scammers use this false claim to incite fear in recipients and make them quickly click on the smishing link.
How This Smishing Scam Works
Like all scams, this text message scam (Smishing) is an attempt to defraud people. Clicking on the link in the text message takes victims to a spoofed Arvest website that ask for Arvest login details and personal information. People who provide their personal details would become a victim of credit card fraud and identity theft.
Also, mere clicking on the link could expose your mobile device to viruses, spywares, or malware. This is because the website could’ve a malware program running in the background. Malware is software that is installed on a computer without the user’s consent and that performs malicious actions, such as stealing passwords or money. Malware can be installed in a variety of ways, including through email attachments, drive-by downloads, or by clicking on links in malicious websites.
Here’s what to do If you received a scam text message;
- Don’t attempt to click on the link no matter how legit it looks. Clicking it would either direct you to a fraudulent website or install malware into your device.
- Block The Sender Number. You can do this by flagging the telephone number as spam.
- Delete The Text Message. Deleting the text message will prevent you from mistakenly replying or clicking on it.
What Victims of This Scam Text Messages Should Do;
Inform Arvest Bank
If you provided your credit card details on this scam site, the first step you should take is calling your credit card company. They need to know that your card details have been compromised so as to closely monitor and prevent any unauthorized charges.
Place a Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert
Fraud alert is sort of like a two-factor authentication process for accessing your credit, whereas a credit freeze blocks anyone from accessing your credit — until you remove it. The credit freeze is the best option for you, if you know you wouldn’t be using the credit card anytime soon.
Scan Their Device with a Malware Checker Tool
There’s a likelihood that your device has been infested by malware or spyware after visiting the spoofed website. Scanning your device with a malware removal tool will detect and remove any viruses, spyware, or other malicious programs.
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Nora