April 2011 SMiShing Alert

Customers and non-customers are receiving fraudulent text messages, disguised as text alerts, requesting credit card information. The texts advise the recipients to call and reactivate their card. See the example below.

"Fifth Third Bank Alert: Your card starting with 5539 has been deactivated. Please call 270-564-3052 to reactivate".

What should you do if you receive a suspicious text message?

  • Do not respond.
  • If you are unsure of its authenticity, call a phone number you trust such as the one on your most recent statement, NOT the one in the text message, to verify the company actually sent it and to inquire about why they need your information.
  • If it is a text message that appears to be from Fifth Third Bank, you can forward it to 53investigation@security.53.com to help track the phishers and shut down the fraudulent sites or disconnect fraudulent phone numbers.
  • Delete the message from your mobile device.
  • If you responded to the message and provided information, contact Fifth Third Bank Customer Service immediately at 1-800-676-5869.

Please note: Fifth Third does not contact customers via email, phone, or text message to request or verify personal or company information, including account numbers, passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), Social Security numbers, or Tax ID numbers for security or any other purposes.

Customers who supplied any information should call a Fifth Third Customer Service Professional at 1-800-676-5869.

Tips to help protect you:

Education is your best defense - know what to look for and what to do. To find out more about how to protect yourself from fraud, visit the Fifth Third Bank Privacy & Security Center at www.53.com/Security.

In order to protect yourself from malicious software (malware) on your computer, maintain and run anti-virus, firewall, and browser software on your computer. Also, make sure your application software (such as iTunes, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, etc.) is up to date, and review your Internet and email software's security settings.

If you need assistance or discover any suspicious online sites, emails, or other fraudulent activity involving your account, please call a Fifth Third Customer Service Professional at 1-800-676-5869. They are available to serve you Monday through Friday 8 AM–9 PM ET and Saturday through Sunday 8AM–5 PM ET. You may also contact us securely via our website 24 hours a day, seven days a week.