Four Ways Smishing Can Reach Into Your Wallet
Cybercriminals have found a way to strip digital device users of their personal data, using a cyber fraud tool called “smishing.” Smishing scams compromise the target’s cell phone through texts or SMS messages, then swipe the target’s personal data once the user clicks on the text link.
The “Service Cancellation” Scam
In this case, a cell phone user’s SMS message might indicate that they signed up for a service or there’s a premium on an existing service and are asked if they want to cancel, to click on a link, says Scott Amyx, an Internet expert and managing partner at Amyx Ventures. “That tricks the user into sharing private information,” he says.
The best way to stop smishing scams is to treat them like suspicious emails, experts say.
“Take the same precaution that you would on email to avoid phishing,” Amyx advises. “If you’re not familiar with the sender, content or unsure of the link, don’t click on the SMS text message.”
Also, look for red flags that signal a smishing scam is underway.
