FAKE TEXT MESSAGE SIGNS
Spot the scam
Learn how to identify a fake text message before you lose anything.
Understanding how common text message fraud works
Cybercriminals commonly send text messages appearing to be from a bank like M&T or another legitimate company. Often, their intent is to induce an unsuspecting victim into clicking a link that leads them to give up personal information like bank account numbers and passwords. To the untrained eye, these spoofed texts can be hard to identify. But with a little bit of knowledge, you can learn how to spot a suspicious text message and avoid granting scammers access to your accounts.
How to navigate a fake text message
Be suspicious of unfamiliar texts.
M&T Bank Alerts are available for your M&T Card through M&T Online Banking. Suspicious activity alerts notify customers of certain potentially fraudulent activity on their M&T Card. Alerts are designed to be a helpful account management tool, but they do not identify all potential fraudulent activity and are not a substitute for security and fraud precautions including, but not limited to, verifying statements and being aware of your outstanding payments and available balance. For your protection, “suspicious activity” and “card PIN change” email alerts cannot be disabled. M&T Bank is not liable for any losses customers may incur due to an alert not being delivered. Your mobile carrier's text messaging and data charges may apply.
Use of these features and services requires Internet and/or data access through a computer or mobile device. Subject to availability and the same limitations as any service available through the Internet. M&T Bank is not responsible for matters that are outside of its reasonable control that might impact availability and functionality. M&T Bank reserves the right to suspend service for any reason at any time. Your mobile carrier's text messaging and data charges may apply. Fees may apply for optional services provided through M&T Online Banking. View the M&T Digital Services Agreement for additional details.
When in doubt, don’t click.
Set rules and stick to them.
Help protect your account with real-time fraud monitoring. Sign up for M&T Alerts, to receive timely updates about spending and suspicious activity via text or email.
M&T Bank Alerts are available for your M&T Card through M&T Online Banking. Suspicious activity alerts notify customers of certain potentially fraudulent activity on their M&T Card. Alerts are designed to be a helpful account management tool, but they do not identify all potential fraudulent activity and are not a substitute for security and fraud precautions including, but not limited to, verifying statements and being aware of your outstanding payments and available balance. For your protection, “suspicious activity” and “card PIN change” email alerts cannot be disabled. M&T Bank is not liable for any losses customers may incur due to an alert not being delivered. Your mobile carrier's text messaging and data charges may apply.
Use of these features and services requires Internet and/or data access through a computer or mobile device. Subject to availability and the same limitations as any service available through the Internet. M&T Bank is not responsible for matters that are outside of its reasonable control that might impact availability and functionality. M&T Bank reserves the right to suspend service for any reason at any time. Your mobile carrier's text messaging and data charges may apply. Fees may apply for optional services provided through M&T Online Banking. View the M&T Digital Services Agreement for additional details.
If you have received a suspicious text message, you can optionally report it to your wireless provider by copying the message and forwarding it to 7726.
7726, which spells SPAM, has been designated by The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) as a number for reporting suspicious and spam text messages to most major U.S. and global wireless providers.
Unless otherwise specified, all advertised offers and terms and conditions of accounts and services are subject to change at any time without notice. After an account is opened or service begins, it is subject to its features, conditions, and terms, which are subject to change at any time in accordance with applicable laws and agreements. Please contact an M&T representative for details.