Keep your information safe this holiday season and learn about Smishing.
Smishing is a form of phishing carried out through SMS text or messaging apps.
It usually works like this: Criminals send texts that appear to come from trusted organizations, including banks, delivery services, or government agencies, trying to trick you into clicking harmful links or sharing personal information.
To spot smishing, look for these red flags:
- Unexpected messages claiming urgent problems with your account, fraudulent transactions, or a package.
- Links that look odd, with unusual spellings or extra characters.
- Requests for sensitive data, such as passwords, PINs, or verification codes—legitimate companies rarely ask for these by text.
- Poor grammar or generic greetings like “Dear customer.”
- Phone numbers that don’t match official contact information.
If you’re unsure, avoid tapping links and don't respond to an unfamiliar text message. Instead, contact the organization directly through its official website or app. Staying cautious helps protect your data and devices.
