You’ve probably heard similar stories, or you’ve received a lot of text messages from unknown numbers advertising deals and bargains, job possibilities, or other enticing offers. These normally include a WhatsApp link that will take you to a discussion with an unknown individual who will urge you to disclose some sensitive personal information in return for money.
When you receive these messages, don’t respond, don’t click any links, and don’t give out your personal information—these are smishing scams aimed to steal your sensitive personal data, such as online banking login information and credit/debit card details, and your money.
Smishing is a type of fraud in which criminals use SMS texts to acquire your personal information. The scammers are sending you links to pages that may and will steal the information you submit by SMS in this situation.
“You may readily recognize a smishing effort by looking for sensitive personal information, such as your credit card number, CVV number, or a One-Time Password, from the individual texting you” (OTP). EastWest Chief Information Security Officer Joey A. Regala stated, “This is information that bank staff will never ask you over SMS or an unprotected website.”
“Never hand out these data to somebody you don’t know or trust, no matter how attractive the offer,” Regala cautioned.
Regala also advises EastWest debit cards to switch off internet transactions by default in case somebody tries to use your card after obtaining your information. Simply log in to your EastWest Mobile account, go to Card Settings, and pick the type of transaction you want to enable or disable.
This Summer season, reclaim your peace of mind and financial management by remaining vigilant against smishing and scams. The EastWest Mobile Banking app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, makes it simple to manage your account. Follow EastWest on Facebook at facebook.com/EastWestBanker, on Twitter at @eastwestbanker, or on their website at www.eastwestbanker.com for additional information and updates on their services.
