(KAIR)--A text message, using the name of a local bank and being received by area residents, is an attempted scam.

That's confirmed by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, who says the message, received by residents and bank employees alike, is not legitimate.

The message, which claims to originate from Exchange Bank and Trust, tells the recipient, "your card has been used to make a payment of $1,872.67" at what the message calls "GroceryOutlet." The message asks the recipient to reply or to click on an embedded link.

Laurie says not to do either, as it's an attempt to steal personal financial information, with the best bet being to delete the message and block the sender.

Any unsolicited, similar messages should always be viewed with caution, with recipients, instead of following such directions, to contact the entity directly to make certain the message is legitimate.

Anyone who falls victim to such a scam should report it to authorities immediately.