WISCONSIN — If you get a text or e-mail message stating that your account has been suspended, watch out. More than likely, this is a scam. This is what the scheme looks like:
You get a message that appears to be coming from your bank, cell phone provider, or well known company such as Amazon. The sender’s name and e-mail address may look very legitimate, but with extra wording such as fraud department.
The subject line or message is often short and vague, telling you that your account is suspended and instructing you to click on links for information or to re-activate your account.
Quite often, these links are loaded with malware and will ask you to provide passwords, account numbers, and personal information. If clicked, this could compromise your computer or mobile device, and if you provide information, your account could be hacked.
If you get one of these notifications, check with your bank, cell phone provider, or another company by via a phone number or website that you know is legitimate.
Keep in mind, reputable businesses are not going to ask you for your password. If you are worried that you may have fallen victim to a scam, file a complaint with legal authorities and consumer agencies. Your information can help others from being scammed.