We are well aware of the on slot of unwanted junk emails called spam. Then came the emails trying to lure you in to an activity (response, sharing data, etc.) that ‘they’ could use against you or even sell the information you provided, to other spammers and phishers, most often to breach your bank account or put you at risk with your personal identity and security.
Enter ‘smishing’. Smishing is spam texts that are fraudulent and intended to do the same as phishing emails. Because most of us caught on to phishing malicious malcontents have shifted much of their focus, recognizing our appetite for using mobile devices. Unlimited text plans also paved the way for this new method of thievery.
Take small comfort in the fact that spammers are usually trying to ‘sell’ you something and still prefer email. Phishers – those trying to ‘defraud’ you, have moved many of their efforts over to texts and earned the named – smishers.
There are many fixes, yet few work effectively. Going through the motions is important to help to protect yourself and put pressure on the cell providers to build stronger spam filters and reduce the time they are spending with their customers calling, emailing and texting in smishing complaints.
Sid Kirchenheimer alerts us to the smishing scams and gives us some courses of action.
Share with us, have you or someone you know been smished?
