“Fraud Department” Text Scam

We have been made aware of an unsolicited text and phone call scam circulating through our area. In this reported case, a customer received a text message that appears to be from the F&M Bank fraud department. The text message asks for a simple reply – YES, if you initiated a transaction, or NO, if the charge is fraudulent. Two sample images are below for your convenience.

When the customer responded “NO” and denied the charge, the criminal fraudster followed up with a phone call. The caller ID also appears to be from F&M Bank, Timberville. The caller claimed to from the F&M Bank “fraud department” and asked the customer for more information. The customer became suspicious and began asking questions of the fraudster leading to the fraudster ending the call.

Unfortunately, fraudsters can configure a text message or phone call to appear to come from any source. This scam is extremely dangerous because it seems legitimate. To best protect yourself, never give out your confidential information over the phone or via text.

Our fraud detection services will text, email, or call clients if a transaction is suspicious; however, our platform will not place a follow-up call after a transaction has been confirmed valid/fraudulent or ask for you to provide sensitive information. 

If you receive such a call or text message, do not respond. Contact your local F&M Branch using a number you know to be valid. Do not use numbers contained in the caller ID on your mobile phone.

Here are our tips on how to recognize text scams.