What is smishing? What can I do about it?

[VirginPlusAlexander]

In today's digital world, scams are increasingly common, and one type you might encounter is called "smishing." Smishing is a type of phishing, delivered through text messages (SMS) instead of emails. Scammers send deceptive text messages pretending to be from legitimate companies, banks, government agencies, or even friends, all with the goal of tricking you into revealing sensitive personal information or clicking on malicious links. They aim to exploit your trust or create a sense of urgency to bypass your caution.

Recognizing a smishing attempt

Smishing messages often share common traits designed to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking. Be wary if a text message:

• Creates urgency: Messages that claim your account is compromised, your package delivery failed, or you owe money - anything demanding immediate action.
• Asks for personal information: Legitimate organizations rarely ask for sensitive data like passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers via text.
• Contains suspicious links: Links that look odd, are shortened (like bit.ly), or don't match the supposed sender's official website should be treated with extreme caution.
• Offers unbelievable deals: Messages promising free gifts, lottery winnings, or significant discounts that seem too good to be true are often traps.
• Impersonates trusted sources: Scammers often impersonate well-known brands or services to gain your trust. Always be skeptical of any unsolicited message asking you to take immediate action or provide details.

What to do if you receive a smishing text

If you suspect a message is a smishing attempt, take the following steps:

1. Do not click links: Never tap on links within suspicious text messages. They can lead to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials or download malware onto your device.
2. Do not reply: Replying, even to say "stop," confirms your number is active and may lead to more scam messages.
3. Do not share information: Never provide any personal or financial details over text.
4. Report the message: Help protect others by reporting the scam. Forward the suspicious text message to 7726 (which spells SPAM on your keypad).
5. Delete the message: Once you have reported it and taken other precautions, remove the message from your phone.

How to report smishing

Reporting smishing helps service providers identify scam numbers and take action to help protect others. When you forward a suspicious text message to 7726, you will typically get a reply confirming the message was received.

For more detailed instructions on how to report on different device types refer to How to keep yourself safe from fraud - Other types of Phishing - Vishing/Smishing

By staying vigilant and knowing how to spot and report these messages, you can protect yourself and contribute to a safer online environment.

• How to identify fraud
• What does fraud look like
• Do you suspect fraud? What to do next