A text message scam that’s been around in various forms since at least 2011 has hit the Shelby County area. Numerous residents received messages on their cell phones Sunday and earlier in the week, stating that their “Debit/credit card has been blocked.” The message provides a fake link, which, if accessed, requests your account information. A similar scam hit Cass County twice in March. Do not click on the link! Delete the text message. If you have a question about your account, call or stop by your local bank branch. If you have accessed the link and provided information, notify the bank immediately.

A Facebook user reported Sunday this message came across via text on their cell phone.

Wells Fargo’s website has numerous tips to prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud. They also have information about the scam mentioned in the text message: “A phishing attempt sent via SMS (Short Message Service) or text message to a mobile phone or device. This tactic is also referred to as smishing, which is a combination of SMS and phishing. The purpose of text message phishing is the same as traditional email phishing: convince recipients to share their confidential information.

Never take action on a request for your personal or financial information, including account numbers, passwords, Social Security number or birth date. If you receive a text message expressing an urgent need for you to update your information, activate an account, or verify your identity by calling a phone number or submitting information, on a website, do not respond and delete it. These messages may be part of a phishing scam conducted by fraudsters in an attempt to capture your confidential account information and may be used to commit fraud.”