New York consumer safety officials are warning people not to fall for a scam that targets their cellphone text messages.

They say the scheme is known as “SMiShing,” a reference to the combination of SMS messaging and the older tactic called “phishing” for personal information.

It involves people posing as financial institutions, utilities or phone companies asking the recipient of a text message to click on a link or call a number and then provide personal information like PIN or Social Security numbers.

Officials say legitimate institutions don’t ask for personal information. Real messages can be confirmed by contacting a company through a known customer service number. They also recommend reporting an attempt to your phone company.

(AP)