SMISHING

What is Smishing?

 

Everyone is familiar with the email based “phishing” scams arriving as spam. Smishing is a version of phishing used through SMS (short message service) by sending text messages to your smart phone.

 

Example texts would be:

  • Something from Fedex with a tracking code and asking you to set delivery preferences. If you tap on the link it will take you to a fake site and then allow you to enter all of your personal information.
  • From: Your bank–Unusual activity–MSG Account is frozen. Again, this will provide you with a link to your “banks” website with a code to enter once you follow the link.
  • Anything from Amazon stating that if you fill out a survey you will get something free.
  • Anything stating that you need to click to make sure your information is secure—DON’T DO IT!

 

How can I protect myself?

  • Look at the source of the message. If you question anything log in to your account on your own terms and do not follow the link.
  • Be alert for anything suspicious.
  • Avoid entering information after tapping the link in a text message. For example, if you receive a “Fraud Alert” that says its from your bank, don’t tap the link. Go directly to the banks website or simply call the bank.
  • Don’t send any sensitive information through a text message.
  • Watch out for anything that’s “Free” or “Too good to be true”
  • Don’t download or install any software through a link sent through a text message.

 

Can I block SMS Spam?

Both I-Phones and android devices let you automatically block spammy text messages. When you receive a message that is spam you can block the phone number and you will stop the messages from that number. Please keep in mind that a scammer will change the number they use regularly. If you are getting lot of spam messages you can download an application to “blacklist” all the numbers.

 

***Information on this page from https://www.howtogeek.com/526115/what-is-smishing-and-how-do-you-protect-yourself/