A screenshot of a sample fraudulent text message police say can dupe unsuspecting recipients. (WPS / HANDOUT)

Winnipeg police are warning about a scam involving fraudulent security alert text messages.

The messages arrive unsolicited and warn a person’s bank account will be closed or access limited if certain prompts aren’t followed.

Police say clicking the website link will take you to a fraudulent portal pretending to be the bank and may ask you to enter a username/password or personal information.

Police note that that messages may be sent in your own name or come from your own phone number.

“These phishing attempts may also come in the form of a money request such as ??has sent you money, click here to receive it,” police said in a release.

How to avoid these scams:

• Never click on any link in any text message that you were not expecting.
• Watch out for look-alike web addresses. Just because an address has the name of a real company in it, doesn?t mean it?’s legitimate.
• If you aren’t sure about a message or think it may be legitimate, go directly to the website of the business and check for any notifications there. If you don’?t see anything, call the company directly.
• Go over these tips with any individual (including friends or family) who you feel may be susceptible to a scam like this.

Scams like this one can be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.