Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams: What You Need to Know
April Scam of the Month
In today’s digital world, smishing scams are on the rise. These scams are a type of phishing attack that use text messages or messaging apps to trick people into downloading malware, revealing personal information like passwords or account numbers, or even sending money to fraudsters. With criminals becoming more creative in their tactics, it's important to be aware and know how to protect yourself from falling victim to smishing scams.
The Most Common Scams
1. Financial Institutions
Scammers often impersonate your credit union, bank or other financial institutions. They may send fake notifications about account issues, directing you to fraudulent websites or apps that steal your sensitive financial data, including PINs, passwords, and account or card details.
2. Government Officials
Scammers posing as police officers, IRS agents, or other government officials might send text messages demanding payment for fines, threatening arrest, or offering government benefits, with the aim of pressuring you into providing personal information or sending money.
3. Customer Support
You may receive messages that claim to be from customer support, alerting you of account issues, unclaimed rewards or refunds. These messages often include links to fake websites designed to steal your credit card or banking information.
4. Shipping Companies
Fraudsters impersonate well-known shipping companies, such as FedEx or UPS, claiming there is an issue with your package delivery. They then prompt you to pay "delivery fees" or log in to resolve the problem, ultimately stealing your money or account information.
5. Vendors, Bosses, or Coworkers
Scammers may manipulate victims by posing as vendors, bosses, or coworkers, urgently requesting money or tasks. This often occurs under the guise of helping with business matters, tricking individuals into sending money or revealing sensitive information.
6. Random Texts
Some scammers send text messages allegedly intended for someone else, gradually gaining the victim’s trust over time. This can lead to long-term scams, including fake investment opportunities or loan requests that ultimately result in financial loss.
7. Friend or Family Impersonations
Hackers who have obtained a victim’s username and password may impersonate family members or friends, claiming to be locked out of their social media account. They then ask the victim to receive a verification code on their behalf, which is actually to gain access to the victim’s account.
8. Toll or Traffic Violations
A growing trend involves scammers impersonating toll agencies or traffic enforcement, claiming you have an outstanding toll violation or unpaid fines. They may send a message with a link to pay, which leads to a fraudulent website that will steal your financial information.
Ways to Protect Yourself
Delete Suspicious Messages: If you receive a text message that seems suspicious, do not engage. Delete it immediately and report it as junk.
Avoid Clicking Links or Saving Images: Do not click on any links or save images from untrusted messages to your camera roll.
Verify Phone Numbers: Always validate the phone number before engaging with the message. If you cannot verify the sender, do not respond.
Keep Security Software Updated: Regularly update security software on all your devices to ensure you have the latest protection against malware and other threats.
Be Cautious with Personal Information: Never share personal details such as your address, Social Security number, or financial information without confirming the legitimacy of the request.
Helpful Tip
If you receive a suspicious text message, you can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam. Carefully copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider identify and block similar messages in the future.
Where to Report?
If you believe you have been targeted by a smishing scam, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or by calling 1-877-438-4338.