Watch Out: Smishing Scams Are on the Rise

Most of us are aware of email scams (phishing). But have you heard of smishing? It’s a growing threat that uses text messages (SMS) to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.

 

What is Smishing?

Smishing is short for “SMS phishing.” It happens when scammers send fake text messages pretending to be from trusted sources—like your bank, a delivery service, or even government authorities. The messages usually contain a link or phone number designed to steal sensitive details such as account passwords, PIN codes, or credit card numbers.

 

How Smishing Works

A typical smishing text might:

• Claim your bank account has been blocked and ask you to click a link to “verify” your details.
• Pretend to be a courier service saying, “Your package is waiting—pay delivery fees here.”
• Offer a fake lottery win, cashback, or prize, urging you to share personal info to claim it.

 

The goal is always the same: to trick you into giving up personal or financial information.

 

Signs of a Smishing Scam

 

Watch out for these red flags in suspicious SMS:

• Urgent or threatening tone (“Your account will be closed today!”).
• Unknown or shortened links.
• Requests for sensitive information (PINs, OTPs, passwords).
• Messages from unofficial or strange-looking numbers.

 

How to Protect Yourself

• Do not click links in suspicious SMS messages.
• Never share OTPs or banking details via SMS or phone.
• Verify directly with the organization by calling their official number.
• Block and delete suspicious senders.
• Report smishing attempts to your bank or mobile operator.

 

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, but staying alert can keep you safe. If a message seems unusual, remember: pause, think, and verify before taking any action.

 

Protect yourself—because your personal information is worth more than any “offer” you’ll receive in a text.