Smishing

Deceptive text messages or Smishing. Smishing is a fraudulent process that uses deceptive text messages to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive personal information such as bank account details, credit card numbers and login credentials.

How to Spot Smishing Text:

· Fake Urgency: The message often creates a sense of urgency, such as a warning about suspicious account activity or a limited time offer that requires immediate action.

· Suspicious Links: The message may contain links that redirect you to a fake website designed to steal your personal information.

· Requests for Personal Information: The message might ask you to reply with sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers.

· Impersonation: The message might impersonate a co-worker or friend. They might ask for money as that friend or ask you to change banking information as that co-worker.

What to Do:

· Do Not Click on Links: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited text messages, especially if they are from unknown senders.

· Verify the Sender: If you receive a suspicious message, contact the organization or the person directly using a known and trusted phone number or email address.

· Do Not Share Personal Information: Never respond to text messages asking for personal or financial information.

· Report Smishing: Report any suspicious messages to your mobile service provider. Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future. You can also Report it on the whatever messaging app you use. Click HERE for iPhone and HERE for Android to see how to report spam or junk.

Please see attached example of smishing text messages. Want to know more please click HERE for a short video on how to spot a Smishing Text messages. Staying vigilant against Smishing attempts is crucial for maintaining our security. If you have any questions or need help verifying if someone who works for SWAT or one an affiliate is truly trying to contact you, please don't hesitate to contact us.