In a world where text messages keep us connected, it’s important to know how to spot scams that come straight to your phone. One scam that’s becoming more and more common is smishing—where fraudsters use text messages to steal your personal information. These scams are sneaky and, sometimes, very convincing. But with a few smart tips, you can stay one step ahead of fraudsters.
How Does Smishing Work?
Smishing messages look like they’re coming from trusted sources, like your bank or credit union, a government agency, or a well-known company. Here’s how it typically plays out:
- The Bait: You receive a text message that grabs your attention or catches you off guard. Common examples include:
- “Your account has been locked. Click here to unlock it.”
- “You’ve won a $500 gift card! Claim it now.”
- “Suspicious activity detected on your account. Verify now to secure it.”
- The Hook: The message contains a link or a phone number. If you click the link, you might be directed to a fake website that looks real but is designed to steal your information.
- The Trap: Once you engage, scammers can collect personal details like passwords, credit card numbers, or even install malware on your device or compromise its security.
How to Spot a Smishing Attempt
Protecting yourself starts with knowing what to look out for. Here are some common tricks scammers use:
- Fake Delivery Updates: A text claims you have a package waiting and asks you to click a link to confirm your details. These links often lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.
- Bank or Credit Union Alerts: Fraudsters impersonate your financial institution, warning you of unusual account activity and requesting you to log in.
- Tax Refund Scams: Around tax season, you might get a text claiming you’re owed a refund. These messages often direct you to fraudulent sites asking for your Social Security number or bank account info.
- Utility Bill Threats: Scammers might claim your service will be shut off unless you make an immediate payment through a link.
5 Tips to Protect Yourself
Smishing scams can be very convincing, but you can help protect yourself by following these tips:
- Pause Before You Act
If a message feels urgent or is something you were not expecting, take a moment to confirm its validity by contacting the organization directly. - Avoid Clicking Links
Never click on links in unsolicited messages, especially those requesting you log in or share sensitive information. - Guard Your Information
Be cautious when sharing personal details over text, especially if you didn’t initiate the conversation. - Look for Red Flags
These could include generic greetings, misspellings or grammatical errors, and overly urgent language. - Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts makes it harder for scammers to gain access.
What to Do If You Get a Smishing Text
Received a suspicious message? Here’s what to do:
- Don’t Respond
Don’t reply, even if the message says to text “STOP.” - Delete It
Remove the text from your phone to avoid accidentally interacting with it. - Monitor Your Accounts
Keep a close eye on your bank or credit union accounts and online profiles for any unusual activity.
Why It Matters
Smishing scams are designed to trick you, but staying informed can make all the difference. By recognizing the signs and knowing what to do, you can help protect your personal information.
At Mission Fed, your safety is our priority, and we’re here to help you outsmart scammers and safeguard your financial well-being. If you have questions about staying secure or need assistance, our team is just a call, email, or branch visit away.
For more tips on safeguarding your information or to learn about our online and mobile banking security features, visit our Security Center or connect with a Mission Fed representative today.
The content provided in this blog consists of the opinions and ideas of the author alone and should be used for informational purposes only. Mission Fed Credit Union disclaims any liability for decisions you make based on the information provided. References to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name in this article by Mission Fed Credit Union is for the information and convenience of its readers and does not constitute endorsement, control or warranty by Mission Fed Credit Union.
