Scam Text Message being circulated to area consumers.

There is a scam text message that is being circulated to area consumers. The text appears to be from Legends Bank and is trying to lure consumers to reply to the text, as which time the scammers are attempting to obtain personal financial information. 

The message reads "LEGENDS BANK ALERT:  Your CARD has been DEACTIVATED.  Please call:  573-202-6414."

If you attempt to call the phone number, it is not an active phone.  Therefore, it is believed that the fraudsters want you to reply to the text message, at which time they will request personal information, such as your debit/credit card numbers and/or corresponding PIN numbers.  PLEASE IGNORE THESE text messages and do not reply.   Reports have been received from both Legends Bank and non-Legends Bank consumers. It is assumed that the fraudsters obtained a random variety of area cell phone numbers and sent the text message in hopes that some will reply.

My family and I all received the text message purportedly from Legends Bank.   I immediately called my husband, son, and daughter and advised them not to respond.  I knew that you would not be advised via text to call and provide your 16 digit debit card number for the purpose of having it reactivated. Remember, a legitimate bank or lending institution would not need to ask you for your number, they already have it.   

In addition, when I received my text message it was after normal banking hours and on a weekend.   This will cause people to believe that they will be without the use of their debit/credit cards for several days making it more likely that some people will make that phone call and provide the requested information.