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smishing
Smishing
Smishing (SMS phishing) uses text messages to deceive victims into clicking malicious links, downloading harmful software, or revealing personal information. Attackers often impersonate banks, delivery services, or government agencies to create urgency and trick recipients into acting quickly.
How to identify
- Unexpected text messages from unknown numbers
- Messages claiming your account has been compromised
- Shortened URLs that hide the true destination
- Requests to verify account information via text
- Prize or lottery winning notifications you never entered
- Package delivery notifications you weren't expecting
- Messages with unusual urgency or time pressure
How to prevent
- Never click links in unexpected text messages
- Don't reply to texts from unknown numbers
- Contact organizations directly using their official number
- Use your phone's built-in spam filtering
- Install a reputable mobile security app
- Never share personal information via text message
- Block and report suspicious numbers
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