Bank text scam

August 18, 2017

Recent complaints to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and news reports suggest scammers are sending phony bank text messages in an attempt to "phish" information from consumers. Huntington Bank has issued warnings that these texts are not legitimate and that customers of other banks have been hit as well.

In this scam, consumers typically receive a text message instructing them to reply or call an Ohio telephone number because of a problem with their account. The texts often appear to be from the “Huntington National Bank Help Desk” or the “Huntington Security Department.”  If the call is returned, the scammer may try to get bank account or personal information.

If you receive these phony bank text messages, here are some tips to follow:

• Do not click on any links, and do not text or call the phone number back.
• If you have any questions about your bank account, call the bank’s legitimate telephone number as shown on your account statement and/or the back of your credit and debit cards.
• Consumers who suspect a scam should report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office by clicking here or by calling 800-282-0515.