SMiShing

SMiShing scams are similar to phishing scams. You may get a text message appearing to be from a bank or service provider asking you to do something. However, the SMiShing is really a message from a scam artist.

How SMiShing Works

SMiShing scams often direct you to visit a website or call a phone number. If you dial the number, you’ll be asked for sensitive information like a credit card number.

After visiting the website, it may attempt to infect your computer with malware. Scammers continually get more and more creative. Most consumers are savvy enough not to fall for the old “we need your bank account password” email. However, a text message seems less threatening.

Instead of just trying to get money from you, such as with cashier’s check scams, SMiShing schemes often just try to get information such as credit card numbers.

What You Need to Know About SMiShing

If you get a suspicious message, don’t fall for it. Call a bank from a phone number you trust – one that is on your statement or the bank’s website. If you get a message about a service you’ve been signed up for, and will have to cancel, search the web for other reports of the message. To learn more about the related threat of phishing, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website Onguardonline.gov.