Mount Vernon Optic-Herald

A string of fraudulent text messages is being sent to East Texans. The text messages have been received by both customers and noncustomers of First National Bank of Mount Vernon and the First National Bank of Gilmer, as well as other area financial institutions.
The scam warns a person that his or her debit card has been compromised, closed, or deactivated and then  prompts the user to call and telephone number to reactivate the card.
Individuals who have received the text message, any similar phone call or an e-mail, are advised not to respond. Those who have already responded and given out debit card information are asked to call the phone number on the back of the debit card or their own financial institution to report and cancel the debit card immediately. No action is necessary for individuals who have not responded to the text message.
A financial institution will never contact an individual and ask for their debit card or account information. Anyone with questions about the text message alert should contact the First National Bank of Mount Vernon at 903-537-2207 or the First National Bank of Gilmer at 903-843-4130.