What is Smishing and How to Protect Yourself

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Smishing is a form of phishing that uses SMS (text messaging) to trick you into giving away personal information. Attackers disguise themselves as legitimate contacts, such as a bank or service provider, often using emotional or urgent language to compel you to respond or click on malware-laced links.

How Smishing Works

Smishers send messages that appear to be from trusted sources. These texts might include links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials, or they might ask you to reply with sensitive information directly. Some smishing attempts involve claiming that you've won a prize or that your account is at risk unless you act immediately.

 How to Protect Yourself from Smishing

1. Be Skeptical: If you receive a text from an unknown number, especially one asking for personal information, be cautious. Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive information via SMS.

2. Verify the Source: If you’re unsure about a message, contact the company directly using a verified phone number or website. Do not use any contact details provided in the suspicious message.

3. Avoid Clicking Links: Never click on links in messages from unknown senders. If the message claims to be from a legitimate organization, go to their website directly by typing the URL into your browser.

4. Use Security Software: Install a reliable security app on your smartphone that can detect and block phishing attempts, including smishing.

5. Enable SMS Filtering: Many smartphones have built-in SMS filtering options that can help block messages from unknown senders or filter out potential spam. Make sure this feature is turned on.

6. Report Smishing: In the U.S., you can report smishing attempts to your cellular service provider by forwarding the suspicious message to 7726 (SPAM). You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

7. Educate Others: Share your knowledge about smishing with friends and family, especially those who may be less tech-savvy. Awareness is one of the best defenses.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your information from smishing attacks. Remember, if something feels off, it probably is—trust your instincts and take steps to verify before acting.