Oak Harbor police are warning residents about a “phishing scam” involving text messages July 29.

Police report that scammers sent out a mass text message mailing to several cellular phones in the Oak Harbor area. The body of the text message stated this: “Whidbey Island Bank Alert: Your card starting with 4474 has been deactivated please call (360) 200-5135.”

By calling the provided phone number you would receive an answering machine that requested you leave your 16 digit credit card or check card number.

“Please be aware that this text message and recording are part of a Phishing scam used to gain credit card or check card account numbers for fraudulent activity,” a police release warns.

“Legitimate financial institutions will never contact you by text message, random phone calls or email and ask you to provide your account number or credit card numbers. If you or someone you know has provided their credit card or check card information to such a scam please have them report the incident to their financial institution and local law enforcement.”