How to Protect Yourself from Text Message Scams

Text message or SMS phishing, called “smishing,” is when cybercriminals use deceptive text messages to lure people into divulging sensitive personal information that can be used to commit fraud. Cybercriminals often impersonate government agencies, banks, and credit card companies to lend legitimacy to their scam.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

If you receive a text message containing a link or phone number from a company you do business with, contact the company through a separate phone number or email you know to be authentic, not one that may be listed in the text, to verify the message request.

• To keep yourself safe:
  • Do not click on links in the message.
  • Do not call the phone numbers listed in the message.
  • Do not provide personal or financial information.
  • Do not download any apps or files provided in the message.
• If you receive unsolicited text messages from unknown numbers, follow these instructions below:
  • Block the sender and delete the message.
  • Consider changing the password of the account in referenced in the message by closing your messenger app and opening your account directly through your browser.

If you have already clicked a link or provided financial information to an unsolicited text message and you believe you are a victim of a text message scam:

• Disconnect from Wi-Fi and mobile data.
• Change passwords for any account that may have been compromised.
• Contact the company or government agency that the cybercriminal is impersonating and immediately report it.
• Notify your bank if you provided or entered payment information.
• Run a mobile security scan.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from scammers. Although no form of protection is absolute, a combination of personal awareness and protective tools will make you as safe as possible.

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