Protect Yourself from Smishing Attacks


In today’s hyper-connected world, cybercriminals are getting smarter and more sophisticated. Two of the most common scams they use are phishing and smishing.

Phishing is a cybercrime in which attackers attempt to steal your sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in digital communications, primarily through email.

Smishing, on the other hand, stands for SMS phishing. It involves sending fraudulent text messages to trick individuals into providing personal information or clicking harmful links.

Both involve enticing unsuspecting victims into sharing personal information by sending fraudulent text messages or emails.

While phishing has been around for a while, smishing—derived from SMS phishing—is rapidly gaining traction. These scams often lead to fake websites that look eerily similar to legitimate ones you trust, tricking you into surrendering personal information. Worse still, these sites can also infect your device with malware, giving hackers access to your data.

 

Why Smishing Is on the Rise

Cybercriminals have perfected their timing, striking during periods of vulnerability such as corporate mergers, market crises, and notably, on nights and weekends when bank branches are closed. Unfortunately, the increasing reliance on digital communication makes it easier for them to camouflage their deceitful tactics amidst the digital discourse.

It's crucial to stay vigilant. Remember, reputable companies like banks will never ask for personal information, secure access codes, or login credentials via text or email. By understanding the common signs of these scams, we can protect our personal and financial information from falling into the wrong hands.

 

How to Spot and Avoid Smishing Scams

Here are some key indicators of potential smishing attempts and how to safeguard yourself:

Common Smishing Red Flags
  • Grammar and Spelling Errors: Authentic communications, especially from businesses, are typically free of these mistakes.
  • Urgent Requests: Be wary of messages demanding immediate action on financial matters—like requests for money transfers or personal information.
  • Impersonal Greetings: Messages that don’t use your name or contain generic salutations may be a scam.
  • Unknown Numbers: Exercise caution if the sender is an unfamiliar number. Even if they use a familiar name, it could be a spoofed number.
Stay Safe
  • Verify the Sender: If a message seems suspicious, contact the company or person directly using official channels.
  • Don’t Click Links: Avoid interacting with links or attachments from unknown or unverified senders.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: Report any phishing or smishing attempts to authorities. Visit FTC's complaint page or forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM).


Common Smishing Attacks and How to Recognize Them

Understanding common scams can significantly reduce your risk of exposure:
 
Impersonating Scams
Fraudsters may mimic government agencies, banks, or even acquaintances, asking for sensitive data like Social Security or account numbers. Remember, legitimate organizations will never request such information via text.
Reactivation Scams
Cybercriminals may claim that your account or card is about to expire, urging you to reactivate it via a provided link. Avoid clicking such links and contact your service provider directly.
Delivery Notification Scams
Cybercriminals may claim that your account or card is about to expire, urging you to reactivate it via a provided link. Avoid clicking such links and contact your service provider directly.


Reacting to a Smishing Attack

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a smishing scam, take these steps immediately:
  1. Contact Your Bank or Service Provider to report the incident and secure your accounts.
  2. Change Compromised Passwords to block unauthorized access.
  3. Run a Malware Scan on your devices to identify and remove potential infections.
  4. Freeze Your Credit to prevent scammers from opening fraudulent accounts. You can initiate this process through major credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

If identity theft is suspected, begin the reporting process with the universal ID Theft Affidavit and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. For additional assistance, contact the FTC’s ID Theft Hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).

By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your business from falling prey to these increasingly common cybersecurity threats.