After national reports in the press this week where bank customers have been targeted by a ‘smishing’ scam Attack.Phishing , including a man from Coventry , Trading Standards is advising all residents to be on their guard . Smishing messages (SMS + fishing) Attack.Phishing usually contain a phony telephone number to call or link to a counterfeit website that will ask you to enter personal details or transfer money as your account is at risk . They can also ask you to call or text a premium-rate number they have created to run up a large bill . In the reports this week , three customers of the same bank received Attack.Phishing text messages to say that there had been unusual activity on their accounts and given a phone number to call . When called , the people were convinced Attack.Phishing to give access to their online banking which generated a security code , which was then used to siphon money from accounts . ‘ Take Five ’ is a new campaign by Financial Fraud Action UK ( FFA UK ) designed to tackle financial fraud and is the first national campaign to be backed by all the major banks and other financial service providers across the UK . You can protect yourself from financial fraud by remembering some simple advice : Never disclose security details , such as your PIN or full password - it ’ s never okay to reveal these details . Don ’ t assume an email request or caller is genuine - people aren ’ t always who they say they are . Don ’ t be rushed – a genuine bank or organisation won ’ t mind waiting to give you time to stop and think . Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it is usually right to pause and question it . Stay in control – have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for information . With financial fraud getting ever more sophisticated , anyone can be targeted and incidents are on the increase . Trading Standards advise to always be cautious with any unsolicited approaches .