Sociolatte

Smishing Attack: what it is and how to respond

Smishing is to mobile devices and phones what phishing is to PCs. Derived from "SMs phISHING". SMS (Short Message Service) Smishing users tricks played on people's phone to con users into revealing their bank accounts. If someone does reveal their bank account they can then expect it to get emptied. Smishing can you cell phone text messages and voice messages to con unsuspecting victims. 

A very popular trick right now is a cell phone user might get a voice message telling them that their bank account has been compromised and that they would need to enter personal bank information to rectify things.  This will scare a lot of people into thinking that the voice message is from their bank and maybe even enter their secret information. 

Something to remember is that Bank's never ask for personal information over the internet and definitely not with text and voice messages. The calls can be quiet convincing especially when they seem to be coming from the bank you're banking with. 

What to do if you get a Smishing attack via text, sms or voice.

Never call back the number mentioned in the text, voice mail or voice message, it is usually a 800 number. Always call your bank. Always speak directly to someone at your local back and never reply, answer or attempt to verify anything that has come via voice, text or mail on your phone or mobile device.  

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Sociolatte