Beware of SMiShing Texts

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SmiShing or SMS phishing is about sending false, fake text messages, claiming the mobile user that they have won a free product or need to enter information or correct an account mistake. Within the fake text message, there is a fake URL link that would lure the individual into clicking the link or a fake phone number. After the user has clicked the link, that is when the hacking starts. The phone number may be to a hacker waiting to steal your info to use at an ATM.

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They may request:

• Credit card information
• Account passwords
• Account information
• Other valuable information

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Recognize a SMiShing Attempt

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There are several indicators of an email or text message scam, including:

• Generic greetings.
• ~Instead of using your name, many message scams begin with a general greeting, such as: "Dear [Company Name] customer."

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• Incorrect account information.
• ~The message will attempt to scare you with a large account balance, a warning that someone has recently updated your account or a prize or special offer that must be claimed quickly.

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• A false sense of urgency.
• ~The message will attempt to compel you to act by threatening that your account is in jeopardy if you don't update your information as soon as possible, or with a short deadline to claim a prize or special offer.

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• Fake links.
• ~Links may appear valid, but typically go to fraudulent websites. Always check where a link is going before you click. On a computer, you can do this by hovering your mouse over the link (without clicking it) and looking at the website address in your browser's status bar, which is usually in a bottom corner of the screen. If it appears suspicious, don't click the link. Alternatively, go directly to the company website from your browser, not through any links sent in messages.

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What to Do? Tips to Prevent Becoming a Victim

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1: Avoid clicking on any UNKNOWN messages with links. Furthermore, think about who sent you the message. Is it a person that you know?

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2: Do not reply to text messages that have asked you about any of your personal finances.

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3: If you have received any messages in regard to your business assets or the partnerships that you have with them and/or the bank that is associate with them, call the business or businesses to see if it is a legitimate request before responding.

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4: Be on the lookout for messages that contain the number "5000" or any number that is not a phone number. This is a strategy where scammers have masked their identity so their location and identity are not traceable.

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5: If the text messages (along with the unknown number) urges for a quick reply then that is a clear sign of SmiShing! Don’t Respond!

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6: Do extensive research before replying to any message. There are plenty websites that allow anyone to run search based on a phone number and see any relatable information about whether or not a number is legit.

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7: Never call back a phone number that was associated with the text that concerns you.

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8: If the message states "Dear user, congratulations, you have won...." It is a clear sign for SmiShing.

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9: Check the time when the unknown message was sent. If the text message was sent at an unusual time, then that is another sign of SmiShing.

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10: Make sure to be aware and informed of your bank apps policy. It is important to acknowledge there is a policy that protects your money along with other personal information that is associated with the bank account.

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11: Send the fraudulent message to the bank and wireless carrier.

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12: Delete the fraudulent message.