I thought I was the only one getting weird text messages from a number claiming to be with Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU)

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But, it turns out it's happening to people across West Michigan.

Did You Get A Text From LMCU? Be Careful It Could Be From A Scammer

People across West Michigan have been getting text messages that are actually phishing scams.

Phishing is where a scammer sends a fraudulent message designed to trick a person into revealing sensitive information or to deploy malicious software on the victim's infrastructure like ransomware

What Do The Text Messages Say?

I've gotten four text messages from different numbers over the past few weeks.

They say things to try and get you to react quickly and click on the link to enter your personal information. Below are some examples of what you might see on your phone.

Credit: Big Joe Pesh / TSM
Credit: Big Joe Pesh / TSM
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This text message told me my account has been placed on hold. The thing is, I don't have any accounts with LMCU.

Credit: Big Joe Pesh / TSM
Credit: Big Joe Pesh / TSM
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This text message from the scammer wanted me to authorize a nearly $5,000 charge to Best Buy.

This scheme almost worked because I know I didn't buy anything from Best Buy, but was worried someone else might have tried to.

Credit: Big Joe Pesh / TSM
Credit: Big Joe Pesh / TSM
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Ohh, look another major purchase to Best Buy that needs my authorization.

Credit: Big Joe Pesh / TSM
Credit: Big Joe Pesh / TSM
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This last text message is when I for sure knew this was a scam. It was for a purchase at Wal-Mart which would never happen because my wife Lindsey works at Meijer and would kill me if I ever shopped at Wal-Mart

What Can You Do To Avoid These Scams?

On the top of LMCU's website, here is what they said.

LMCU will never ask for your online banking password. We do not text about pin numbers. Beware of fraudsters posing as LMCU via text, email, and phone. Learn about identifying scams and how to protect yourself at LMCU.org/Security.

 

The bottom line is that scammers are not going anywhere so you need to be alert and pay attention to what you click on. If you're not sure reach out directly to the person or company to verify anything you're suspicious about.

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