Avoid these three types of texts used by scammers

If it feels like you are getting more texts from unknown numbers alerting you about missed packages, offering you a new job, or alerting you to fraudulent charges on your bank account, you’re not alone. The Federal Trade Commission saw nearly 250,000 reports of these fraudulent texts in 2024, resulting in consumers losing a staggering $470 million to texting scams.

Known as “smishing,” cell phones and other devices are easy targets for viruses and other methods of stealing your personal information. To avoid becoming one of the 247,000+ people who reported that they fell victim to these scams last year, here are the three common types of texting or WhatsApp scams you should be on the lookout for:

1. Task Scams

Similar to a job scam, these texts offer online work or lucrative job prospects with little details about the specifics. According to the FCC, when you respond to a task scam, you’ll be asked to compete a series of tasks for “app optimization” or “product boosting.” This can look like “rating” or “liking” products to increase positive feedback. Many of these tasks require logging in or downloading an app or online platform; you might even receive initial small payouts designed to give you confidence of a legitimate business.

Then, the tasks escalate, asking you to put up your own money with the promise of getting more back. Some may ask for you to use cryptocurrency.

This type of scam has skyrocketed in the past five years. In 2020, there were no reports of cases. Fast forward to 2024, the FCC reported $41 million in consumer loses.

2. Package Tracking

According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, fraudsters will often say that you have a package that is undeliverable and needs confirmation before delivering. The text will often include a link or offer a way that you can text back with the information. The FCC reported it as the most common type of smishing scam in 2024.

To avoid falling for this type of fraud, remember that the USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc. will never send you a text or email without you requesting one first. If you did request tracking information from USPS, it will come from a five-digit number, will not contain a link, and requires no further action from you.

3. Fraud Alert

These can look like fake unpaid tolls that need to be remedied, fake credit card alerts warning, or fraudsters pretending to be WSFS. These texts will include fear-inducing language telling you that your account is compromised, overdrawn, or something immediate needs your attention. They’ll ask you to click a link or call a number to fix the issue, requesting information like your PIN, password, or social security number.

WSFS’ Text Lines

WSFS will occasionally reach out to you via text to provide updates and alerts. The SMS messages that do come from WSFS are all five-digit codes:

• 20736 – These are for Automatically Generated Service Alerts (i.e. to let you know you changed a password or updated your contact information) and Self-Enrolled Alerts that you “opt in” for (i.e. account balance, transaction monitoring, automatic payment notice).
• 70169 – These are to let you know about important information and special announcements that are in My WSFSfeed. These texts will include a link that starts with https://mywsfsfeed.wsfsbank.com.
• 86975 – These provide you with Card Fraud Alerts. We will let you know if there’s unusual activity on your card and will require a response from you to ensure your account has not been compromised. The texts include WSFS’ name, the last four digits of your account number, and information about the suspicious activity.

WSFS will never ask you to provide your account number, PIN, password, or any other personal information via email, text, or over the phone. If you think you received a fraudulent message, call us at 888.973.7226 or go to wsfsbank.com/security.