Smishing scams are a type of phishing attack that uses text messages instead of email. They are becoming increasingly common, as scammers know that many people are more likely to open a text message than an email.
Smishing scams can take many forms, but some of the most common include:
Delivery scams: These scams claim to be from a delivery company, such as USPS or UPS, and say that you have a package that needs to be delivered. They will then ask you to click on a link or call a phone number to confirm your delivery information. This link or phone number will take you to a fake website or connect you with a scammer who will try to steal your personal information or credit card number.
Relationship scams: These scams claim to be from attractive young people who are interested in meeting you. They will often send you a picture of themselves and ask you to respond. If you do, they will try to engage you in conversation and eventually lure you into a scam, such as asking you to send them money or give them your personal information.
Account scam: These scams claim to be from a company that you have an account with, such as your bank or credit card company. They will say that there is a problem with your account and that you need to click on a link or call a phone number to fix it. This link or phone number will take you to a fake website or connect you with a scammer who will try to steal your personal information or credit card number.
If you receive a text message that you think might be a scam, there are a few things you can do:
Don't click on any links or call any phone numbers. Even if the link or phone number looks legitimate, it could take you to a fake website or connect you with a scammer.
Do some research. If you're not sure whether or not a text message is a scam, do some research online to see if other people have reported it as a scam. You can also try searching for the phone number or website address on the Better Business Bureau website or Google Scam Alert.
Contact the company directly. If you're still not sure whether or not a text message is a scam, contact the company that it claims to be from directly. You can find their contact information on their website or by searching online.
It's important to remember that scammers are always coming up with new ways to trick people. If you receive a text message that you're not sure about, it's always best to err on the side of caution and ignore it.
How to avoid scams
Here are some additional tips to help you avoid scams:
Be wary of any unsolicited communication, whether it's by email, text message, phone call, or social media.
Never give out your personal information to someone you don't know and trust.
Be careful about clicking on links in emails or text messages. If you're not sure whether or not a link is safe, hover your mouse over it to see the actual URL. If the URL doesn't match the company that the email or text message is from, it's probably a scam.
Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from malware and other threats.
Use a strong password manager to create and store unique, strong passwords for all of your online accounts.
Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when logging in.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from scams and keep your personal information safe.
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