FAQs
Things you can do to avoid being a victim of a smishing attempt include: Never click links, reply to text messages or call numbers you don't recognize.
What are the best practices to avoid smishing? ›
Things you can do to avoid being a victim of a smishing attempt include: Never click links, reply to text messages or call numbers you don't recognize.
What are smishing scams? ›
Smishing is a social engineering attack that uses fake mobile text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money to cybercriminals. The term “smishing” is a combination of “SMS”—or “short message service,” the technology behind text messages—and “phishing.”
What happens if you click on a smishing text? ›
The goal of a smishing attack is to get you to click on a link to a phishing site, download malware onto your device, call the impersonators (so they can continue their scam on the phone), or give up sensitive data — such as passwords, banking information, or your Social Security number (SSN).
How do we avoid being victimized by text scams? ›
Protecting yourself against SMS phishing
Don't share your login, personal or financial details over SMS. Your bank, utility provider or any other genuine company will never ask for sensitive information via text message. Watch where you input two-factor authentication codes.
What are 4 to 5 ways scamming can be prevented? ›
Avoiding Scams and Scammers
- Do not open email from people you don't know. ...
- Be careful with links and new website addresses. ...
- Secure your personal information. ...
- Stay informed on the latest cyber threats. ...
- Use Strong Passwords. ...
- Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs.
Can a scammer get your info if you reply to a text? ›
In some cases, yes. Replying to a smishing message can allow malware into your phone or land you some unwanted charges.
What happens if you open a text from a scammer? ›
Don't “click” open links in unsolicited text messages. Clicking the link may infect your mobile device with a virus or malware designed to steal the personal or financial information stored on the device. Don't call a telephone number listed in an unsolicited text message.
What should you do if you receive what you suspect to be a smishing attempt? ›
If you receive an SMS message that you suspect is a smishing scam, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The organization wants the number and name presented in the message along with time of day and any information requested by the cybercriminal.
Does Iphone protect against smishing? ›
As a result, smishing can attack any mobile device with text messaging capabilities. While Android devices are the market majority platform and an ideal target for malware text messages, iOS devices are equal opportunity targets.
How to Identify a Fake Text Message: 7 Signs
- The message isn't relevant to you. ...
- The message requires you to take immediate action. ...
- The message contains grammatical and spelling errors. ...
- The number is unidentified. ...
- The text contains suspicious links. ...
- The message uses incorrect branding. ...
- The Bank of America Text Scam.
Can hackers look through your texts? ›
Spyware or Malicious Apps: Malicious software or spyware installed on your phone can grant unauthorized access to your text messages.
What information does a scammer need to access my bank account? ›
The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.
How do you get a scammer to stop texting you? ›
Tips for avoiding unwanted texts
Several mobile service providers allow you to block the sender by forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 (or "SPAM"). Check with your provider about options. Be careful about giving out your mobile phone number or any other personal information.
How do you defend against smishing? ›
How to Prevent a Smishing Scam
- Confirm the legitimacy of message senders by cross-checking information using official channels like the official website or documents; avoid replying directly to texts.
- Be cautious of clicking on links in messages, as smishing often involves deceptive links that may lead to malware.
What are the best practices on how to avoid being a phishing victim? ›
Never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited request, whether it is over the phone or over the Internet. Emails and Internet pages created by phishers may look exactly like the real thing. They may even have a fake padlock icon that ordinarily is used to denote a secure site.
What is the best prevention from phishing attacks is the result of? ›
Firewalls are an effective way to prevent external attacks, acting as a shield between your computer and an attacker. Both desktop firewalls and network firewalls, when used together, can bolster your security and reduce the chances of a hacker infiltrating your environment.
Which is the best security method to protect against phishing? ›
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
By implementing MFA, you can stop an attacker from accessing a user's account, even if they've managed to get their hands on that user's password via a phishing attack.
What are the four guidelines for employees to follow to prevent phishing attacks? ›
- Always practice zero-trust. Phishing is one of the oldest and most successful techniques. ...
- Look out for red flags. There are numerous ways of spotting a malicious message. ...
- Think before you click. ...
- Verify authenticity first.