Arizona Attorney General (AG), Terry Goddard, is warning consumers about a text message solicitation scam that’s making rounds in Arizona. The scam attempts to trick consumers into divulging their personal bank information, a scamming technique known as “phishing.”

The AG’s office reports that Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint customers have all received text messages from the scammers, who are posing as Credit Union West, a Glendale-based credit union.

The text messages inform consumers that their bank account has been suspended due unusual activity and provides a phone number for the consumer to call so they can gain access to their account. Once consumers call the number they would presumably be asked for personal banking information, which would later be used to steal money from their account.

Better Business Bureau has learned that this scam is not limited to just text messages, an email version of it exists as well. This email appeared earlier today in the inbox of a BBB staff member:

In order to protect your account from unauthorized access, we have set a limit of 3 unsuccessful attempts.

Unfortunately, you have just reached that critical number of attempts, so your access to Online Banking has been locked for security purposes.

Please download the form attached to this email and open it in a web browser.

Once opened, you will be provided with steps to restore your account access.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure account safety.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC

Of course we didn’t download the attachment that came with the email because we don’t enjoy sharing our personal banking information with scammers, and there’s a chance the attachment could be a virus that will infect your computer and steal your identity. Consumers should always use extreme caution when giving out any personal information, especially over the phone or online.

The AG’s office offered these tips to help consumers avoid becoming victims of phishing scams:

• Be wary of text messages or phone calls that request personal information. If you do not know who is making the request, delete the message or hang up.
• Do not give out personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account numbers or credit card numbers, to anyone you do not know.
• If you receive a call asking for personal information, hang up and call your financial institution to verify that the request is valid.
• Report any suspicious calls to the Attorney General’s Office at (602)542-5763

For more information, or if you think you may be a victim of a phishing scam  visit BBB online, or call (520)888-5353.

Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace can be helpful to those trying to stay in touch with friends or reconnect with former classmates.  They serve as a platform for instant messaging, status updates, and interactive applications within the sites.

Applications are created by other users and include games, quizzes, and ranking systems.  Before clicking on the button indicating you agree with terms and conditions of an application, check out what type of information will be collected for it to work properly.

Even though information provided to networking sites is private, some applications access that information to operate.  If an application takes you to a new page, note the page’s domain name.  Don’t give up your password if the domain name is questionable.

On Twitter, many users recently became victims of phishing scams, during which they were asked to log into their accounts with their personal login and password.  Days later, these victims were notified by followers that they’d attempted to sell them iPhones or invited them to watch a funny YouTube video that didn’t exist.

Before logging on to Twitter and other sites, make sure the address at the top of the screen is legitimate.   If you use the same password for all of your social networking accounts, consider changing them to make your accounts tougher to hack.

Individuals across the country are looking for ways to help support the victims and families affected by last week’s tragedy at Fort Hood. Initially, supporters were encouraged to donate blood to help victims. As options for monetary donations in support of victims and their families become available, it is important to understand exactly where and how those funds will be used.

Better Business Bureau wants to remind consumers that while there are many opportunities to provide support, there may be misleading or malicious solicitors seeking to take advantage of national headlines and generous individuals. BBB offers the following tips for give wise giving:

• Be cautious of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on describing what the charity will do.
• If you contribute, do not give cash. Make a check or money order out to the name of the charitable organization, not to the individual collecting the donation.
• Watch out for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations or requests to send a “runner” to pick up your donation.
• Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable questions about their operations, finances and programs. Ask how much of your gift will be used for the activity mentioned in the appeal and how much will go toward other programs and administrative and fundraising costs.

BBB’s Charity Resources Web site provides additional information and tips to help donors give wisely.

Officials at Fort Hood have announced the following opportunities for the public to donate to various agencies on the installation honoring the Soldiers and family members affected by the mass shooting on post last week:

Fort Hood Chaplain’s Fund

Checks can be mailed to:
Chaplain’s Fund Office
Bldg 44, 761st Tank Battalion Avenue
Fort Hood, TX 76544-5000

Checks should be made payable to “CTOF” (Chapel’s Tithes and Offerings Fund) with a note on the memo line stating “Nov. 5 Tragedy.”

Fort Hood Fisher House

Fisher House
Bldg 36015
Fisher Lane
Ft Hood Texas 76544
Call (254) 286-7927 or (254)286-7929 for more information.

Local Chapter – American Red Cross

Killeen Red Cross
208 W. Ave. A,
Killeen, Texas 76541
Phone (254) 200-4400 or visit their website: www.waco.redcross.org

USO Fort Hood
USO Fort Hood
Building # 1871, 50th St.
Fort Hood, Texas, 76544
Phone: (254) 768-2771 or visit their website at www.uso.org

To check the reliability of a charity or business, visit www.tucson.bbb.org.