Top 5 Tips to Avoid a Smishing Attack
If you’re not familiar with the term, “smishing” is a form of phishing that uses text messages instead of emails to try and trick people into giving up personal information or clicking on malicious links. It’s become a popular way for scammers to target people since we’re all so attached to our smartphones and are more likely to read and respond to a text message than an email.
While smishing can be difficult to spot, there are some telltale signs that can help you avoid becoming a victim. Here are the top 5 tips to avoid a smishing attack.
Be Suspicious of Unsolicited Messages or Calls
In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with messages and calls from unknown numbers. With so much spam and scams going around, it’s important to be suspicious of unsolicited messages.
If you receive a text from someone you don’t know, don’t respond. Likewise, be wary of any message that seems too good to be true or contains spelling or grammatical errors. Remember, scammers, are often in a hurry and don’t take the time to proofread their messages before sending them out. They’re also known for using generic greetings like “dear valued customer” instead of addressing you by name.
If you receive a message that looks suspicious, delete it immediately. You should also be cautious of any unexpected calls or SMS notification alerts from unknown numbers, as a lot of money laundering has been routed through smishing.
If the caller claims to be from a legitimate business, hang up and call the customer service number to verify. Do not give out any personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number, to someone you don’t know.
Don’t Click on Links in Text Messages
One of the most common ways scammers try to trick people is by sending them a text message with a link to a malicious website. They may pose as a legitimate business or friend and try to get you to click on the link by saying there is an important message or update waiting for you.
If you receive a text message with a link, do not click on it. If the message is from someone you know and trust, call them to confirm that the link is safe. You can also verify the link by hovering your mouse over it to see where it would take you if you clicked on it. If the link looks suspicious, don’t click on it.
Additionally, be sure to install security software on your device and keep it up-to-date to help protect against malicious links and other online threats. You can also set your security software to scan text messages for threats before they’re downloaded to your device. This way, if there’s a malicious link in the message, the security software can block it and prevent you from clicking on it.
Be Careful of Giving out Personal Information
Scammers often try to trick people into giving them personal information, such as their bank account number or Social Security number. They may pose as a legitimate business or government agency and claim that you need to provide this information to them in order to receive a benefit or avoid penalties.
Keep in mind all the cyber security tips you have received till date and never give out personal information. Especially sensitive information such as your Social Security number or bank account number. If you receive a call or message asking for this information, hang up or delete the message immediately.
You should also be cautious of any message or call that asks you to confirm personal information. If you receive a call from your bank or credit card company asking you to confirm your account number or other sensitive information, hang up and call the customer service number on the back of your card to verify.
Taking charge of your cyber security or having someone or an agency do so is crucial.
Be Wary of Messages that Create a Sense of Urgency
One of the most common indicators of a smishing attempt is a sense of urgency. Attackers will often try to create a sense of urgency by claiming that there is an issue with your account or that you need to take immediate action.
This can be done by using language such as “your account has been suspended” or “you need to update your information.” Don’t let scammers rush you into making a decision.
If you receive a message that creates a sense of urgency, take a step back and think about what the person is asking you to do. If the message looks suspicious, don’t respond and delete it immediately.
Instead, contact the organization directly through their official website or customer service number to confirm the validity of the message.
Remember that legitimate companies will never ask you to click on a link or download an attachment in order to verify your account; if you receive such a message, it’s best to delete the message and not respond.
Ignore Messages that Say You’ve Won a Prize
Another common type of smishing attack is one where scammers pose as a legitimate company and claim that you’ve won a prize. They’ll often ask you to click on a link or download an attachment in order to claim your prize.
Do not click on any links or download any attachments from these messages. These are almost always scams intended to trick you into giving up personal information or downloading malware.
If you receive a message claiming that you’ve won a prize, delete it immediately. Do not reply to the message or try to claim the prize.
Conclusion
Smishing attacks are becoming more and more common, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. By being aware of the signs of a smishing attack and being cautious of the messages you receive, you can help protect yourself from these scams.
It is also important to install security software on your devices and keep it up-to-date to help protect against malicious links and other online threats. And if you ever receive a suspicious message, don’t hesitate to contact the organization directly to confirm its validity.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from smishing attacks and other online scams.
