5 Strategies To Outsmart Text-Based Scammers Who Try To Steal Your Money Through ‘Smishing’

Cyberthieves love convenience and reaching victims directly. That’s why they increasingly use texting through an activity called “smishing.”

Some $330 million was stolen through texting scams last year, reports the Federal Trade Commission. That’s why you need to be extra vigilant and monitor the solicitations older relatives or friends might be receiving.

“Whether the text is posing as a delivery service like UPS, claiming you won a free gift, or offering the “perfect” job, these scams are getting out of hand,” notes the Cybercrime Support Network.

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“Smishing is a strange word with serious repercussions. The term comes from text message/SMS phishing where bad actors target users to click on a link to gain access to their personal information.”

Smishing could cover a wide range of scams from pitching cryptocurrencies to fake “stranded” relatives who need money.

There are four solid ways to protect yourself and others. Here’s what the CSN recommends:

1. Get on the `Do Not Call Registry.’ Even if you think you signed up for this, re-registering your mobile phone number may be necessary. Visit DoNotCall.gov to be sure. While the Do Not Call list is not foolproof, it should cut down on unwanted calls and text messages.
2. Spam reporting. Use the spam reporting feature in your messaging client if it has one, or forward spam text messages to 7726 (SPAM). You can also report to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or 1-888-382-1222. After reporting spam be sure to block the number.
3. Do not click links. Don’t open links you receive via text message unless you’ve been expecting them or have verified the sender is legitimate.
4. Visit trusted vendor websites directly (separately from text messages). If you receive a text message that asks you to take an action such as checking an order status or changing a password type—don’t click the link. Instead, type the organization’s URL directly into your browser and proceed from there.

The best safeguard is to not respond to unknown, unsolicited texters. I get them all the time and delete and block them. It’s easy to do and will save you a lot of trouble.