What Is Smishing?

Smishing occurs when scammers send fraudulent text messages that appear to come from a legitimate source, such as:

• A bank or credit card company
• A delivery service
• A well‑known business or online retailer
• These messages often include links or phone numbers and claim there’s a problem that needs immediate attention.
• Common Smishing Examples
• “Suspicious activity detected on your account—click here to verify.”
• “Your debit card has been locked. Call this number now.”
• “Package delivery issue—confirm your information.”

Clicking links or responding can lead to stolen login credentials or financial loss.

What Is Vishing?

Vishing involves fraudulent phone calls where scammers pretend to be:

• Bank representatives
• Fraud or security departments
• Government agencies or law enforcement
• They often sound professional and may already have some basic information about you, making the call seem legitimate.
• Common Vishing Tactics
• Claiming your bank account has been compromised
• Asking you to verify your identity or provide one‑time security codes
• Instructing you to move money quickly to “prevent fraud”

Red Flags

• Created urgency or panic (“Act now,” “Immediate action required”)
• Requests for passwords, PINs, or one‑time verification codes
• Asking you to send money or share account details
• Directing you to unfamiliar links or phone numbers
• Threatening or overly insistent

TSB Will Never

• Ask for your online banking password or one‑time codes
• Request payment via texting or phone calls
• Ask you to transfer money to protect your account
• Pressure you to act immediately without verification
• If someone claiming to be from TSB asks for this information, hang up or do not respond

How To Protect Yourself

• Don’t click links or call numbers from unexpected texts
• Hang up if a call feels suspicious—then call TSB using a trusted number
• Verify independently using the phone number on your debit card or statement
• Never share personal or account information through unsolicited calls or texts

If You Are Targeted

• Do not respond, click links, or provide information
• Delete the text or hang up the call
• Contact TSB directly to confirm whether the message was legitimate
• If you believe you’ve already shared information or sent funds, contact TSB immediately so we can help protect your account

Awareness Is The Best Defense

Smishing and vishing scams are becoming more sophisticated—but knowing the warning signs can help you avoid becoming a victim. TSB is committed to keeping our customers informed, alert, and secure.