Smishing scams look like the real thing, but you can tell the difference

Have you received a suspicious message that looks genuine, but something about it seems off? It could be a slippery slope. This cyber security attack uses fake text messages to trick unsuspecting users into clicking on malicious links and sharing sensitive information or downloading malicious software – but you can learn the telltale signs.

1 The message is from a strange phone number

Laughing text messages can appear to come from various legitimate sources in order to convince users to reveal their personal information. However, one of the telltale signs of a smishing attack is that the sender often uses a common 10-digit contact number.

Businesses rarely use generic contact numbers to send you a message. You will be contacted by phone or text using a unique and recognizable short code. If you receive a message from an unknown contact number, do not reply or click on any links.

2 The text contains a suspicious link

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Another easy way to spot a smiley text is to check if the message contains a link. Although the sender may pose as a legitimate business, you will find that the link does not correspond to the company’s official website.

Scammers may use shortened URLs or insert minor typos or other characters to trick unsuspecting users into clicking on links contained in their messages.

These links, which lead to phishing sites, may try to steal your credentials or trick you into downloading malicious software onto your device. That being said, while it’s essential to know how to spot smishing text, it’s just as important to learn how to identify a phishing site if you happen to land on one.

3 You found spelling or grammar mistakes in your message

I admit that in the past it was easier to detect smishing scams when scammers had to rely on their own abilities to write messages. These texts often contained obvious spelling and grammatical errors that made them easy to spot and of course ignore.

But now, thanks to all the things you can do with ChatGPT and other AI tools, it’s easy to create a relatively polished message. This means that errors can still occur. If you see any unusual phrases or awkward wording, ignore the message and treat it as a warning. It goes without saying that if a message contains spelling or grammatical errors, it is almost certainly not from a genuine business and is best left alone.

4 The text asks you to call another number

Scammers may try to get you to call the number by claiming they couldn’t deliver a package to your home, that you’ve won a gift, or that you owe someone money. If the message you received contains a phone number that you are asked to call, you may want to be cautious and read more information before responding.

For example, if a message says you missed a package, check your online accounts and confirm any missed packages. You can also call the company directly to verify the details in the message before calling the number listed.

5 The text does not address you by name

Scammers rarely target individuals. Instead, they often send general messages to as many people as possible. So if you receive a suspicious message that doesn’t address you by name or doesn’t contain any specific details about you, it’s best to ignore the message.

A sign of a scam is that it demands your attention. These messages often contain language designed to create a sense of panic.

For example, the scammer may claim that your bank account is suspended and that you need to visit the bank’s official website (using the link provided in the message) to reset your account or login information immediately. This is a common tactic used to trick unsuspecting victims into acting impulsively.

Cyber ​​attacks are on the rise. So be sure to at least familiarize yourself with the more common smishing and phishing scams so you can stay safe.