What is Smishing?

SMishing is any type of phishing attempt that involves text messaging. As consumers, we tend to be more trusting on our cell phones, but this is very dangerous. Cyber criminals are able to mimic sms (text) messages making it look like it's from someone you know and asking you to click on a link.  If for some reason you do this, ransomware could possibly be downloaded on your device and could compromise your sensitive information like credit card, social security and account numbers. 

Almost everyone has encountered phishing scams that arrive via spam emails. Someone might claim to be from your bank or pretend like they’re from your phone company looking for personal information like passwords.

Basically, Smishing is the SMS (“SMS” stands for “short message service” and is the technical term for the text messages you receive on your phone) version of phishing scams. Instead of a spammy email, you get a text message on your smartphone.

Now, a lot of people are receiving text messages claiming to be from FedEx or other delivery serviceswith a tracking code and a link to “set delivery preferences.”

Don’t click the link!

If you tap that link on your phone, you’ll end up on a fake site (a phishing site) with a fraudulent “free reward.”

Watch our latest IT Shorts on SMishing now.