TD Canada scam targets some residents in Mississauga and Brampton

A new text scam that’s currently targeting local residents could be trying to steal your banking information.

The scam purports to be from TD Canada Trust, asking you to verify a banking transaction associated with your number.

The message prompts you to reply in order to view the transaction.

It looks like this (recipient’s phone number blacked out):

The message is a scam and residents are advised not to give away any personal information or banking details to unverified people or groups.

TD calls messages like this “smishing” — a combination of “Short Message Service” (i.e. a text message) and the word “phishing”.

The bank says to watch out for messages that may include what looks like a legitimate website address and asks you enter several pieces of your personal financial information, such as your credit/debit card number, CVV code (on the back of your credit card), your ABM card number, your SIN, your email address, or other personal information.

“If you suspect smishing, do not respond to the text message. You should immediately contact the financial institution or credit card company and tell them of your suspicions,” TD says.

Residents who receive this scam are advised to delete it and not reply, as a simple reply can signal to scammers that your number is still active.