In this month’s scam, you receive a text message that says you have an unpaid invoice, fee, or toll. It seems legitimate because the text message appears to come from a local organization, such as your government’s toll service, tax office, or postal service. It may even contain official logos and branding. The text instructs you to click a link so that you can pay the bill, or you will face a penalty.
However, the text message is actually a smishing message, a text-based phishing attack sent by scammers. If you click the link in the text message, you’ll be directed to a fake webpage that is designed to steal your personal and financial data. If you enter any information here, the cybercriminals will be able to steal it immediately. You won’t actually pay any bills, but you will pay the scammers!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a smishing scam:
- Always be suspicious of text messages that you weren’t expecting, especially if they are instructing you to take action.
- To check the accuracy of a bill, navigate directly to your account on the organization’s official website or app rather than clicking links in text messages.
- Remember that legitimate organizations rarely demand immediate action via text message. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to try to trick you into acting impulsively.
Source: Alphastar Capital Management Security Team
Recent Posts
Scam of the Month: A Text Message Trap
Managing Risk in Your Portfolio: What Every Investor Should Know
Estate Planning Essentials: Building a Plan That Reflects Your Wishes
Review, Organize, and Evaluate to Refresh Your Financial Plan
Retirement Savings Benchmarks to Help You Hit Your Long-Term Goals
The Tricky Business of Spending Your Retirement Savings
Market Volatility: Learning From Lessons of Time- Scam of the Month: Fake Tax Forms, Real Malware
How to Create a Diversified Investment Strategy for Long-Term Success
Navigating Market Volatility: Strategies to Stay on Course in 2025
Rebalancing Your Portfolio: Why Now Is a Good Time to Check Your Asset Mix- What to Do About the Stock Market’s Giant Problem?
- Scam of the Month: Real Email, Fake Facebook
Debunking Common Investment Myths: What You Need to Know
Early Steps to Simplify Filing and Align Your Tax Strategy
Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Megan is also a fully licensed Life, Health, and Annuity agent. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.