Are you being buried under an avalanche of promotional text messages? It seems like over the past two years, companies have upped their texting game to send more and more offers directly to our phones.
Retailers and medical professionals alike have realized that sending SMS alerts is a more effective way to keep customers informed. Consumers can now take advantage of quicker shipment tracking notifications and sale notices, while pharmacies are providing automated refill reminders and doctor’s offices are making sure you never forget an appointment again – all delivered directly to your phone!
Information sent via text is often convenient, which has made it a popular medium for both retailers and medical practices. Unfortunately cybercriminals have also caught on to the convenience of texting to send out phishing scams- so be sure you know what’s legitimate before taking any action!
The menace of text-based scams, known as “smishing,” is rising rapidly and threatening to become a major epidemic.
Phishing via SMS has become a fast-growing threat, with cases of smishing rising by a shocking 328% in 2020 and soaring to an incredible 700% increase just within the first half of 2021. With more companies transitioning their data security measures to accommodate remote employees, this problem is likely only going to get bigger.
Want to make sure you don’t forget a thought?
Have you ever received a mysterious text from yourself, seemingly out of the blue? If so, don’t be alarmed – it’s likely a smishing scam! These malicious messages are designed to cause confusion and trick victims into clicking on linked content. Don’t fall for their tricks – stay vigilant against scammers looking to exploit any uncertainty or doubt.
Cyber-savvy criminals are using VoIP connections and sophisticated spoofing software to trick people into thinking they’ve received a text from themselves. It may look like it’s coming from their own number, but this is actually an advanced tactic used by cybercriminals.
If you come across a suspicious text message, don’t be fooled by it – it may be an SMS phishing scheme in disguise! To protect your security and privacy, delete the message without responding. Some carriers even provide additional protection by offering options to both delete and report scam texts.
Be aware of the latest smishing scams!
Smishing is an increasingly perilous issue, as many are unaware of its potential danger. The false sense of security that accompanies phone numbers has left people unguarded; they believe only those to whom it was given can access their contact information – yet this couldn’t be farther from the truth!
Despite the increasing importance of mobile technology, personal numbers remain vulnerable to malicious acquisition. Advertisers may purchase contact details from anonymous sources online and criminals exploit data breaches for illicit access – all without ever needing a physical device in front of them!
Surprisingly few people are familiar with smishing
No longer faced with the same familiar phishing emails, it’s essential to recognize that malicious actors are now disguising their scams in clever SMS messages. These high-tech hoaxes may be harder than ever to detect– so stay vigilant!
Many people are unaware of the valid phone number that Amazon shipping notifications stem from – leaving them vulnerable to illegitimate emails masquerading as legitimate correspondence.
Text messages often hide their true destinations with shortened URLs. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to detect these digital disguises on a mobile device compared to viewing from a computer.
Text messages commonly utilize shortened URLs, masking the original address and making it difficult to identify on a mobile phone. Put simply – one’s not able to hover over links in texts as they would from their desktop computer.
Text messages can often be tricky
Who enjoys the surprise of a package delivery? Now scammers are taking advantage of this by sending false messages posing as reputable shippers like USPS or FedEx, claiming you need to provide extra information for your parcel’s arrival. Be vigilant – don’t be fooled!
Beware of a new scam that’s tricking people into giving up their personal information. It starts with an online link taking users to what looks like an official form, only it’s actually part of a plan for stealing identity details! And just when you think they won’t strike again, the scammers will ask victims to pay money in exchange for releasing some “package”. Don’t give away your credit card number – or else risk becoming one more victim in this thieving scheme.
A new form of deception has emerged
Residents in a South Carolina community were hit with an unsettling surprise after AT&T’s installation of fiber internet lines. Unexpectedly, they found themselves the target of a fraudulent customer drive meant to scam unknowing participants out of money and data. Fortunately, the scheme was stopped before any real damage could be done!
A homeowner was recently targeted by a scammer, who had sent him an illegitimate text message pretending to be from AT&T. The fraudster asked for personal information but the suspicious homeowner quickly realized something wasn’t right when he discovered the address given in the text didn’t match his own!
Get ready to be rewarded!
Recent smishing scams have been taking individuals by surprise with text messages that appear to be generous gifts. Offering a “free gift” and enticing the recipient with a link at the bottom, this scam leaves its victims susceptible to data theft or malware attack. Stay vigilant: never click on suspicious links!
An insidious scam is sweeping the internet that tricks unsuspecting victims into believing a text they receive is from an organization or company with which they have recently done business. To make matters worse, these scammers use clever tactics to bait their targets with enticing offers of free gifts – only for it all turn out to be too good to be true.
Is your mobile device secure from cyber threats?
Despite their deceptive nature, smishing scams are still a major threat to our devices’ security. Protecting yourself from these malicious attacks requires more than just common sense: having the necessary mobile antivirus and DNS filtering in place is essential for keeping your device safe! Don’t hesitate, Contact us today for a free consultation!
Comments