National Consumer Protection Week 2025
Union Bank Urges You to Protect Yourself from Text Scams: Remember, Banks Never Ask That
Grand Rapids, Michigan – March 6, 2025 
In today’s digital world, scams are more sophisticated than ever, and text-based phishing, or “smishing,” is one of the most prevalent threats consumers face. These scams can look like they’re from trusted sources, such as your bank, and often ask you to reveal personal or financial information. But here's the truth: Banks Never Ask That.
As a bank, our top priority is keeping your personal and financial information secure. We want to empower you with the knowledge to identify and avoid these dangerous scams. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
Spotting a Phishing Scam
Phishing scams typically come in the form of emails, texts, or phone calls that ask you for sensitive information like your account number, PIN, or password. Here are a few red flags to look out for:
- Unsolicited Requests for Personal Information: If you receive an unexpected text, email, or phone call asking for sensitive details, it's likely a scam. Banks will never reach out to you this way. If you suspect the message is from a bank, hang up, delete, or ignore it.
- Verify Information: If you call your bank, they may ask for some verification. However, the bank will never ask you to provide confidential details out of the blue. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the number on the back of your debit or credit card.
Steps to Protect Yourself
- Do Not Download Attachments or Click Links: Text or email messages from scammers often contain malware in attachments or links. Avoid clicking links or downloading any files.
- Do Not Respond: Never reply to requests for personal information. Legitimate institutions won’t ask you to provide sensitive details over text.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious message, report it! Forward phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org and text messages to SPAM (7726). You can also report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
What to Do if You Get a Suspicious Phone Call
Phishing phone calls are another common tactic. If you receive a call that seems to be a phishing attempt, here’s what to do:
- Hang Up: If the call seems suspicious or asks for personal information, simply hang up.
- Caller ID Can Be Misleading: Even if the caller ID shows a local area code, that doesn’t guarantee the call is local. Always call the bank’s official customer service number if you need to verify any information.
Why It’s Important
Phishing attacks can lead to serious financial loss, identity theft, and long-lasting damage. But the good news is, you have the power to protect yourself. By staying vigilant and using the steps above, you can spot scams before they cause harm.
Banks are here to help, and we’re committed to providing the resources and support you need to stay safe. Remember, if you didn’t ask for it, it’s probably a scam. Banks never ask for that.
Stay Safe, Stay Smart!
For more information on how to protect yourself and your personal information, explore additional fraud prevention resources in our Financial Wellness Center.
How to access Union Bank's Financial Wellness Center
To access Union Bank’s Financial Wellness Center for more articles, interactive coaches, and financial calculators, simply log into your Digital Banking Suite and click on the Financial Wellness Center card on your dashboard. Not a Union Bank customer? Contact us today!
