Per multiple reports from local law enforcement and banks, there have been a series of scam text messages that have been sent to area residents recently.

These messages claim to have an "E-Pay" statement ready from Lake Osceola State Bank for a specific individual, who is not the recipient of the message. Then, it direct recipients to click on an unsecure link in order to try and steal personal information. This method is referred to as "phishing," which is sending of fraudulent messages that appear to come from a legitimate source.

^{Sample of phishing message sent to local residents (Courtesy of Big Rapids Department of Public Safety).}

Multiple public safety departments in the area have reported these scams. They continue to urge recipients of these messages to not click any attached links within them. A reminder has also been stated that banks will not ask for your banking information via text message.