Got a Text About a Traffic Ticket? Don't Click It: How to Spot Smishing Scams

Imagine this: you're sipping your morning coffee when a text pops up: "You have an unpaid traffic ticket. Click here to avoid penalties." It looks official, urgent, and scary. But it's not from the DMV - it's a scam.

This type of fraud is called smishing, and it's on the rise.

Here's how to recognize, avoid, and respond to smishing scams - and how Middlefield Bank helps protect your financial information.

What Is Smishing?

Smishing is short for SMS phishing. It's a type of scam where fraudsters send fake text messages pretending to be from trusted sources like banks, government agencies, delivery services, or even your employer.

The goal? To get you to:

• Click a link that installs malware
• Enter sensitive info like your bank login or Social Security number
• Call a fake customer service number

These scams are increasingly sophisticated and often look legitimate. That's why staying alert is key.

Common Smishing Scenarios to Watch For

Smishing messages usually play on urgency or fear to get you to act quickly, without thinking. Be wary of messages like:

• "Your account has been locked. Verify now."
• "You missed jury duty. Pay the fine here."
• "Package undeliverable. Update your address."
• "Unpaid traffic ticket. Click to resolve."

These messages may include official-looking logos or URLs that resemble real sites, but they're actually designed to steal your data.

How to Spot a Smishing Scam

Smishing messages often share similar warning signs. Here's what to look for:

• Unfamiliar phone number or short code
• Grammar or spelling errors
• Urgent, threatening language ("Act now," "Final notice," "Last chance")
• Suspicious links (hover over them if possible to preview the URL)
• Requests for sensitive info-legitimate businesses will never ask for things like your password or Social Security number via text

When in doubt, don't click. Contact the company directly using a verified website or phone number.

What to Do If You Clicked a Suspicious Link or Gave Out Information

If you've already clicked or replied to a scam message, act quickly:

1. Disconnect from Wi-Fi and enable airplane mode to stop malicious activity.
2. Run a security scan using trusted antivirus software.
3. Change your passwords, especially for banking or email accounts.
4. Contact your bank immediately to report the issue and monitor for fraudulent transactions.
5. Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

If you're a Middlefield Bank customer, you can also use MB Card Secure to instantly freeze your debit or credit card, giving you added control.

How Middlefield Bank Helps Keep You Protected

We're committed to protecting your financial well-being. Here's how we help:

• Mobile banking alerts to track account activity in real time
• Secure login features like multi-factor authentication
• Card controls to freeze or unfreeze your card instantly
• Fraud monitoring and support from our customer service team

If you ever receive a suspicious message claiming to be from us, don't respond. Call your local Middlefield Bank branch or visit middlefieldbank.bank to verify.

Think Before You Tap

Smishing scams are sneaky, but with a little awareness-and support from your local bank-you can stay one step ahead. When something feels off, it probably is.

Stay alert. Stay secure. And remember: if you're unsure, don't click.

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