{"id":6370,"date":"2020-11-23T16:40:45","date_gmt":"2020-11-24T00:40:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/blog\/?p=6370"},"modified":"2020-11-23T16:49:10","modified_gmt":"2020-11-24T00:49:10","slug":"sms-phishing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/sms-phishing\/","title":{"rendered":"SMS Phishing: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know that your cell phone is at risk? While you might have thought that you only have to worry about being hacked<\/a>, phished, or conned when you use the world wide web or answer a robocall, scammers and tricksters use more than phone calls<\/a>, emails, and fake websites. Another trick up scammer\u2019s sleeves involves text messages. This is part of a type of scam called smishing<\/a> or SMS phishing.<\/p>\n

What is SMS Phishing<\/h2>\n[aesop_image img=”https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/sms-phishing.png” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”100%” align=”center” lightbox=”off” captionsrc=”custom” captionposition=”left” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n

With so many types of cons and tricks found online, you may not even have thought to worry about SMS texts. \u201cSmishing\u201d is the equivalent of SMS (short mail service) combined with the word phishing. Phishing uses fake links and copycat imposter websites and forms to trick people into sharing their passwords and personal or financial data.<\/p>\n

Smishing scammers send their phishing links through SMS texts. As most people use smartphones, SMS links can easily access the web and put your data at grave risk, all with the click of a button.<\/p>\n

Examples of SMS Phishing Text Messages<\/h2>\n

This is a partial list of the many types of SMS phishing text scams:<\/p>\n

Unlisted Number<\/h3>\n

If you receive a link or shortened link from a number with no other identifying information, assume it is a scam. The phone number may seem to be in code or unusual. Don\u2019t be fooled into thinking the link is from a legitimate sender, even if the link offers you a special offer or gift card.<\/p>\n[aesop_image img=”https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/My-Post-4-1.jpg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”100%” offset=”100%” align=”center” lightbox=”on” captionsrc=”custom” captionposition=”left” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n

Fake Friend<\/h3>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t heard from you in a while? How have you been! This is what I\u2019ve been up to LINK\u201d Clickbait SMS links will make you want to click on them, even if you don\u2019t recognize the number. You might believe the message comes from a friend with a new phone number, but real people don\u2019t send links from unidentified or new numbers.<\/p>\n

Trending Buys<\/h3>\n

\u201cGet the newest iPhone<\/a> or Android phone at 50% off!\u201d<\/p>\n

Although it will seem as though you\u2019ve received a real offer, the sender\u2019s link is fake and will redirect you to a 3rd party site, a vendor you didn\u2019t intend to purchase from, or a phishing website.<\/p>\n

Imposter Vendors<\/h3>\n

When you receive a text or link from an actual company, like Amazon or even a public social service, it might be from an imposter. Scammers impersonate real companies, and the SMS links they send may reroute you to webpages that look like actual account login pages. Instead, your information will be stolen or malware downloaded on your device.<\/p>\n[aesop_image img=”https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/My-Post-5-1.jpg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”100%” offset=”100%” align=”center” lightbox=”on” captionsrc=”custom” captionposition=”left” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n

Hackers<\/h3>\n

Hackers might hack into the phone<\/a>, phone app, or text messages of someone you know. Other times scammers buy or find a lost phone. When this happens, you\u2019ll receive a text or SMS from a number you recognize, but the instructions (to send gift cards, money, wire money, or visit a website) come from a scammer wanting your cash, data, or private information.<\/p>\n

How to Protect Yourself from SMS Phishing Attacks<\/h2>\n

Use these tips to protect yourself:<\/p>\n