A new text message scam has recently emerged targeting customers of Atlantic Union. Scammers are sending fake text messages pretending to be from Atlantic Union Bank in order to trick victims into giving up sensitive personal and financial information.
How the Atlantic Union Bank Text Scam Works
The fake Atlantic Union impersonation text scam often start by claiming there was suspicious or fraudulent activity detected on your bank account. Some examples of texts users have received include:
Atlantic Union Alert: Your debit card number was compromised. Call 844-334-6152 to Recover your card.
Fraud Alert: We Detected Unusual activity in your account. Click here to verify identity.
Atlantic Union Bank Team: A purchase for $485.46 is on hold. Reply YES if you made this.
The texts seem legitimate and convincing, designed to scare victims into taking immediate action to secure their accounts. If you reply to the text or call the phone number provided, the scammers on the other end of the line have one goal: to steal your personal and financial information.
By posing as Atlantic Union Bank, they will convince victims to provide account passwords, PINs, social security numbers, or other sensitive details. Some may even try to get victims to transfer money out of their accounts. They can then gain full access to drain bank accounts or open fraudulent lines of credit.
Red Flags: How to Identify the Atlantic Union Texts Racket
While the fake texts can look surprisingly realistic, there are a few key signs that indicate fraud and should immediately raise red flags:
1. Text Comes from a Suspicious Number
Rather than Atlantic Union Bank’s official short code, the texts originate from 10-digit phone numbers. Any text about your bank account should come from an official 5 or 6-digit short code.
2. Contains Strange Wording or Grammatical Errors
Scam texts often have typos, awkward phrasing, random capitalization, unusual punctuation or may start with generic greetings like “Dear customer”.
3. Asks Users to Click Links or Call Numbers
Atlantic Union would never ask users to click links in text messages or call phone numbers provided in unsolicited messages. Any links could lead to fake phishing sites.
4. Creates False Urgency or Threat
Red flag language includes threats that your account will be frozen or discontinued if immediate action is not taken by providing personal details.
5. Requests Sensitive Information
The Bank already has access to your private account information and would not need to verify data like passwords, PINs or social security numbers over text.
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Bank Call/Text/E-mail
If you get an unsolicited text that seems like it could be a fake from Atlantic Union Bank, there are a few important steps you should take:
1. Avoid Clicking Links or Calling Numbers
Whether the message comes from a suspicious number or the bank’s real short code, do not click on any embedded links or call phone numbers supplied in these texts.
2. Contact Atlantic Union Bank Immediately
Call Atlantic Union Bank’s official customer service line at 1-800-993-4828 to report the suspicious text. Alternatively, log in to your Bank account via their legitimate website or mobile app to check for any irregular activity.
3. Request Account Alerts and Review Statements
Ask the Bank to put increased alerts on your account so you can closely monitor account activity. Also carefully review statements for unauthorized transactions.
4. Change Online Banking Passwords
If fraudulent texts become persistent, change your online banking passwords as a precaution. Avoid reusing the same password across accounts. Enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
5. Report the Scam Text
File an official fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission to make authorities aware of this fraud. Provide phone numbers, screenshots and any details to assist investigations.
By taking swift action and leveraging Atlantic Union Bank’s security team when suspicious texts appear, customers can best protect themselves against falling victim to text scammers. Stay vigilant and avoid clicking links in messages purporting to come from your financial institution.
