Smishing, also known as SMS phishing, is the fraudulent practice of sending text messages to mobile phones in an attempt to obtain sensitive personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account information, and passwords. The messages may appear to come from a trusted source, such as a bank, a company, or an organization, and urge the recipient to take immediate action by clicking a link or replying to the message. However, the link will usually lead the recipient to a fake website that collects their sensitive information, which can then be used for criminal activities.
Smishing attempts to take advantage of people who are not familiar with the technology and cannot easily recognize a fraudulent message. It may also target those who are more likely to respond to text messages, such as young people or elderly populations.
The best way to avoid falling victim to a smishing attack is to not click on any links or reply to any messages that appear to come from unknown or suspicious sources. Additionally, users should be aware that legitimate companies and organizations do not typically request sensitive personal information via text messaging. If in doubt, contact the purported sender through an official customer service line or website.
