KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A McMinn Co. credit union is warning area residents about a new text message scam targeting debit card numbers working its way through East Tennessee.

An official with Bowater Employees Credit Union said recipients would get a text message reading: “THE CREDIT UNION CENTER ALERT: Your CARD has been DEACTIVATED. Please call 423-665-1106.” Callers would then be asked to enter their 16 digit card number and then their PIN.

Kim Gunter, the credit union's VP of Marketing, said the texts are sent to residents randomly with the scammers hoping recipients are members of a credit union and have a debit card.

She recommends anyone receiving the text delete it and not calling the number provided. Anyone who believes they may have already fallen victim to the scam should call his or her financial institution immediately.