We’ve all gotten strange texts before—but what if one looks official and claims you owe money? That’s exactly the trick behind a scam everyone should be aware of: A smishing scam disguised as an unpaid toll or invoice notification. These messages are designed to look legit—complete with logos from government agencies, the postal service, or even your local toll authority.
The Text Trap
You receive a message that says you owe a fee or bill and need to pay now—or face a fine. There’s a link to click. Simple, right? Not so fast. That link takes you to a fake website that may look convincing but is built to steal your personal or financial information. The moment you enter your details, the scammers have what they need to commit fraud—and your “bill” was never real in the first place.
How to Outsmart the Smishers
Be skeptical. If you weren’t expecting a bill or text, don’t trust it—especially if it asks for immediate payment or sensitive info.
- Go straight to the source. Check your account directly on the official website or app—don’t click links from texts, even if the message looks real.
- Slow down. These scams rely on urgency. Real organizations won’t threaten you via text or demand instant action.
- Watch for red flags. Typos, generic greetings, or strange-looking links are all signs of a scam.
A Smart Move with Nymeo
To stay ahead of fraud, turn on account alerts in your Nymeo Online or Mobile Banking. These alerts can help you detect unusual activity quickly. And remember, if you ever feel uncertain about a message or charge, you can always check in with us by calling us directly at 855-436-4100 or email info@nymeo.org
Category: Financial Literacy & Safety
