Scam Alert: Zelle Texts
Nothing is scarier than getting a text message claiming you sent someone money when you didn’t. Your brain races: did you accidentally click a button the last time you were looking at your accounts in Online Banking? So, you quickly click on the link in the text to tell the Bank that this wasn’t you, so that they will reverse the payment.
Unfortunately, this is exactly what the scammers are hoping you’ll do. React quickly to the thought of being out several hundred dollars and click on the bogus link they sent you (which looks like it could be legitimate) and then give them your information.
Scammers prey on people’s fears about being out money and know that alerts often come by text. They will send thousands of these text messages out, hoping a few people will make a split-second decision and give them their information.
There are some tell-tale signs that this text is not legitimate. Let’s look closely at the example pictured. There are spelling and grammar errors, including “Pay’ment”, and putting a period between “you. click.” Don’t forget to also look at the email address and the link, which in this case are both fishy, ending with a “.br” and “.php.”
Even if the text doesn’t have as many obvious signs as this one contains, the best course of action is to always call your Bank directly if you aren’t sure, using the phone number found on your statements or on our website: www.champlainbank.com. If you do fall for a scammer’s tricks, remember, never be embarrassed. These scams are designed to trick you. Just make sure you let us know immediately so we can take action and change your password on your accounts.
