With SMS Spam messaging on the rise, it’s important that you know the facts and how to protect your personal information.

Recently, the United States Secret Service informed us of an increase trend in a scam called SMiShing or SMS phishing, which has increased in popularity over the past two months. SMiShing is basically phishing scams that are sent over Short Message Service (SMS) text messages.

CBandT will NEVER request information via text message.

The only time legitimate text messages related to CBandT accounts are sent is when the customer establishes an alert through Internet Banking. The alerts are notifications only and do not request any information.

CBandT will NOT require information be provided via pop-up, email or text message.

If you receive a pop-up, email or text that is asking for bank account information, DO NOT respond. Contact your relationship manager or local branch to report.

Here is some advice from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) regarding this kind of scam:

• DON'T FALL FOR IT. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• DON'T REPLY. Don’t click on any links and delete the message.

• DON'T OFFER UP ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION.

• BE VIGILANT. Check your credit report regularly, for signs of foul play. Get a free copy of your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com.

• REPORT IT. Report any fraudulent activity to the BBB at www.bbb.org and the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).