What Is Smishing? How To Spot & Avoid an Attack

In today’s digital age, staying informed about various cybersecurity threats is crucial. One such threat gaining traction is "smishing," a term that combines "SMS" (Short Message Service) and "phishing." Just as phishing scams attempt to deceive users through email, smishing targets victims via text messages. Scammers use smishing to perpetrate identity theft and fraud or even to spread different types of malware. Let’s break down what smishing is, how to spot it, and how to protect yourself from falling victim.

What is Smishing?

Smishing is a type of cyber attack where scammers use SMS (text messages) to deceive individuals into revealing personal information or downloading malicious software. Unlike traditional phishing scams, which might come through email, smishing uses the ubiquity and immediacy of text messaging to trick people. These messages often appear to be from legitimate organizations or trusted contacts, making them particularly dangerous.

Smishing vs. phishing vs. vishing

Phishing, smishing, and vishing are all tactics for stealing personal information—the difference lies in the form of their delivery.

Vishing and smishing are types of phishing.
Phishing is a social engineering tactic used by scammers and cybercriminals. It’s often carried out via fake emails pretending to be from trusted sources. Phishing attacks accounted for 36% of all data breaches in the US in 2023.

Smishing, or SMS phishing, involves sending scammy, fraudulent, or malicious text messages hoping to get someone to reply or click a link.

Vishing, or voice phishing, is when scammers impersonate professionals or other trusted sources over the phone to trick victims into revealing sensitive data or transferring money or digital currency.

How to Spot a Smishing Attempt

• Unsolicited Messages: Be wary of unexpected messages from unknown numbers or organizations. If you receive a text claiming to be from your bank, government agency, or a company you’ve never interacted with, proceed with caution.
• Urgent Language: Smishing attempts often create a sense of urgency or panic. Messages may claim there’s a problem with your account, a suspicious transaction, or that immediate action is required to avoid a penalty. Legitimate organizations usually provide secure ways to address issues rather than sending urgent texts.
• Suspicious Links: Many smishing messages contain links that, when clicked, lead to fraudulent websites or download malicious software. Always verify the legitimacy of any link before clicking, especially if the message seems suspicious.
• Request for Personal Information: Be cautious if a text message requests sensitive information such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details. Legitimate companies will never ask for such information via text message.
• Grammatical Errors: Many smishing messages contain spelling and grammatical errors. While this isn’t always a telltale sign, it can be an indicator of a scam.

5 Types of Smishing Attacks

1. Delivery notification and package-tracking smashing: Package delivery scams are among the most common types of smishing attacks, especially during holidays or major sales events. You might receive a FedEx, UPS, or USPS scam text notifying you about a delivery snag or requesting an update on shipping details. The text is a scam, aiming to trick you into clicking a harmful link or divulging personal information.
2. Financial services smishing scams: These smishing messages pose as legitimate banking institutions to get you to volunteer sensitive data like your Social Security number, address, phone number, password, email, and more.
3. Confirmation smishing scams: A confirmation smishing scam uses fake confirmation requests to get you to expose sensitive information. This could be for an online order, an upcoming appointment, or an invoice for business owners.
4. Customer support smishing scams: Customer support smishing scams send smishing texts posing as any company a person may trust—not just banks or credit card companies. They may pose as a representative from an online business or a retailer notifying you of an issue with your account.
5. Gift or giveaway smishing scams: This type of smishing attack offers you a free gift or advertises a fake contest giveaway, trying to get you to click a malicious link to claim your prize.

How to Avoid Smishing Attacks

• Verify Contact Sources: If you receive a suspicious text, do not respond directly or click on any links. Instead, contact the organization through a verified phone number or website to confirm the legitimacy of the message.
• Enable Security Features: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your accounts where possible. This adds an extra layer of security even if your information is compromised.
• Be Cautious with Links: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited text messages. If you need to visit a website, type the URL directly into your browser.
• Update Your Software: Ensure your mobile device's operating system and applications are up to date. Security updates often include protections against new types of threats.
• Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and techniques used by cybercriminals. Awareness is your best defense against smishing and other forms of cyber attacks.

What to Do if You’ve Been Targeted

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a smishing attack:

• Report the Incident: Contact your bank, credit card company, or any other relevant organizations to report the scam. They can take steps to protect your accounts and assist with any potential issues.
• Scan Your Device: Use a reputable antivirus program to scan your device for malware or other security threats.
• Change Your Passwords: If you’ve shared any sensitive information, change your passwords immediately and monitor your accounts for any unusual activity.
• By understanding what smishing is and knowing how to spot and avoid it, you can better protect yourself from these deceptive attacks. Stay vigilant and always verify the authenticity of unexpected messages to keep your personal information safe.

SOURCE What is smishing + attack protection tips for 2024 (norton.com)

About First Bank and Trust Company 

First Bank and Trust Company, one of the top community banks in the United States, is a diversified financial services firm with office locations throughout southwest Virginia and the state’s Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valleys. First Bank and Trust Company also operates throughout northeast Tennessee and North Carolina. Financial solutions are addressed by offering free checking products for personal and business accounts, savings, money markets, and time deposit accounts. Lending solutions are managed by mortgage, agricultural, and commercial lending divisions. Comprehensive wealth management solutions are available through trust and brokerage service representatives.

For more information, visit Who We Are | First Bank & Trust Company or contact Kaitlyn Widner at kpruitt@firstbank.com.

SOURCE First Bank and Trust Company