« Back to Blog

Think Before U Text Back

When a Friendly “Hello” Isn’t So Friendly After All 

Welcome to your monthly reminder from your friends at UMe that staying smart about scams is just another way we’ve got U covered. This time, we’re diving into something sneaky that’s been hitting phones all over the world (yep, even right here in Burbank): the smishing text scam. 

What Is Smishing? 

Smishing stands for “SMS phishing.” It’s when scammers send text messages that seem friendly or harmless but are actually designed to trick U into giving away personal or financial info. 

 That Random “Hi”? Total Red Flag. 

Let’s say you get a text from a number you don’t recognize. It just says “Hi.” Or “Hello.” Maybe even, “Hey, is this Emily?” It seems like a wrong number… so what’s the harm in replying? 

Turns out, replying—even just to say “wrong number”—lets the scammer know your number is real, your phone is active, and there’s someone on the other end who might be willing to talk. That’s exactly what they want. 

Why Would Anyone Do This? 

Once they know you’re real, the scammer’s goal is to build trust—and that’s when things can go south fast. Their approach might look like this: 

  • Wrong-number friendliness – They pretend it was an innocent mistake and strike up a casual convo. 
  • Flattery and flirting – They compliment U or get chatty to keep you engaged. 
  • Requests for help – They ask for a favor that seems harmless. 
  • Links & lies – They send links or ask for your opinion on something sketchy. 
  • Fake identity – They might even pose as someone you know, like a distant relative or coworker. 

Eventually, they shift into more serious territory—asking for money, your bank details, or access to your accounts. That’s when the real danger begins.  

Red Flags to Watch Out For 

So how can U tell if that “Hi” text is actually a scam? Look out for: 

  • A vague or context-free message from an unfamiliar number 
  • A sender who keeps texting—even if you don’t reply 
  • Any attempt to ask for personal info, money, or links to click 
  • Messages that just feel… off (when U feel like something’s not quite right) 

Even if it starts out seemingly harmless, the safest move is to ignore and block. 

How to Protect Yourself (and Your Devices) 

The best defense against smishing? Don’t engage. Here’s what U can do instead: 

  • Don’t reply. If the number’s unfamiliar, it’s OK to ignore it. 
  • Block the number and report it as spam on your phone. 
  • Never give out personal or financial info over text—even if someone seems friendly. 
  • Use UMe CardNav to add an extra layer of security to your debit or credit card. 
  • Still unsure? Reach out to your UMe team. Whether it’s a fishy message or a financial question, we’ve got your back. 

 Why This Matters 

Your phone should be for memes, messages from friends, and maybe a group chat about your weekend barbecue—not phishing attempts. Scams like this feel low-stakes, but that’s what makes them so sneaky. 

Knowledge is power. The more U understand how these scams work, the easier it is to spot them, shut them down, and move on with confidence. 

At UMe, we’re proud to be part of your comm-U-nity, and keeping you informed is just one of the ways we show it. Because when U+Me team up — scammers don’t stand a chance! 

Disclaimer: U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!