What is SMiShing?

SMiShing (SMS plus phishing) is very much like phishing, but uses text messages instead of emails to try to get you to open links and give out personal and financial information.

A SMiShing message usually contains something that looks like it came from your financial institution, or an alarming message stating you’ll be charged a certain fee if you don’t act immediately. Acting immediately means clicking on their link or calling their phone number, where they hope to collect all sorts of personal goodies from you. Or deliver a virus to you. How do you protect yourself?

• Do not respond to text messages that ask you to divulge personal information.
• Do not click on any suspicious links.
• Contact businesses you are familiar with if you want to verify a suspicious message came from them. But remember, most reputable institutions will not ask you to give out your personal information this way.

Have you been a victim of SMiShing? File a complaint here, and make sure to let your mobile service know so they can investigate the matter as well. Let’s be careful out there.

- Angela Skinner Mullen