FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. GovernmentSmishing Scams
The FBI Internet Crime Report for 2024 listed the top crime type as phishing/spoofing with 193,407 reported complaints.
Smishing attacks (a text-based phishing scam) are commonly used by fraudsters to steal data and financial information.
Have you ever received a text from an unknown number that reads “Hello” or “How are you”? Scammers send thousands of these messages to random phone numbers, hoping to receive a reply. If you reply to the text, the scammer confirms that your phone number is active and that they have contacted a real person. They will continue texting you to try to gain your trust so that they can steal your data or financial information. What you thought was an innocent text from a wrong number is actually a scam!
Don’t assume a text from a known company or organization is legit. Scammers will impersonate companies to gain access into your accounts or possibly try tricking you into urgently sending money.
Prevention Tips
- Don’t reply to unexpected text messages. The text may push you to react quickly, but it’s best to stop and think it through.
- Never click links in unexpected messages. You might download malicious software (malware) that will compromise your device, and scammers often create real-looking websites to draw you deeper into the trap.
- Don’t assume a text from a known company or organization is legit. Double-check by contacting the company. Don’t use information from the text — get a phone number or email address from the company’s website.
- If you think you have received a smishing message, block the number and report the text as junk or spam on your smartphone.
- The wireless industry is dedicated to protecting consumers from spam messages, deploying filtering software and machine learning tools to prevent them from reaching consumers, and encouraging consumers to report any spam they do receive by forwarding text messages to 7726 (SPAM).
- You should never share personal or financial information in text messages, especially if you do not recognize the number!
- If you receive a text message from an unknown number, simply don’t answer. It’s not rude to protect yourself!