Towfiqu Photography/Getty Images
- B.S., Texas A&M University
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning of a dangerous breed that is new of theft frauds referred to as “smishing. ” Much like “phishing” frauds — authentic-looking email messages that look like through the victim’s bank, federal federal government agencies, or any other well-known organizations — “smishing” scams are text messages provided for phones that are mobile.
Although the dangers of smishing scams are potentially devastating, the protection is simple. In accordance with the FTC, “Just do not text straight straight straight back. ”
How a Scammer Sets the Trap. Just what A scam that is smishing text Might Seem Like
The scarily convincing smishing scams work similar to this: you obtain an urgent text coming across from your own bank informing you that the bank account happens to be hacked into and deactivated “for your protection. ” The message will inform you to back reply or “text” to be able to reactivate your bank account. Other smishing scam text communications can include a web link to a webpage you’ll want to see to be able to resolve some problem that is non-existent.
Listed here is a good example of among the scam texts:
“User #25384: Your Gmail profile happens to be compromised. Text straight back SENDNOW so that you can reactivate your account. ”
What’s the Worst That May Happen?
Try not to respond to dubious or text that is unsolicited, suggests the FTC, warning that at the very least two bad things might take place should you choose:
- Giving an answer to the written text message makes it possible for spyware to be set up which will quietly collect private information from your phone. Imagine exactly exactly what an identification thief could do using the information from an on-line banking or charge card administration software.