What Is Smishing? Definition, Examples & Protection

Mobile devices largely dominate modern communication and cyber criminals have devised new ways to exploit unsuspecting users. One such method that has gained significant attention is smishing—a malicious practice that aims to deceive and defraud people through text messages. Short for “SMS phishing,” smishing utilizes persuasive messages to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or downloading harmful content.

This article delves into the world of smishing, shedding light on its definition, providing real-life examples, and equipping readers with essential protection measures. By understanding the intricacies of smishing and staying vigilant, you can fortify against this evolving cyber threat and safeguard your personal and financial well-being.

Definition of Smishing (SMS Phishing)

Smishing, derived from “SMS” and “phishing,” is a type of cybercrime that uses deceptive text messages to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive personal information such as bank account details, credit card numbers and login credentials.

Like phishing emails, smishing aims to trick individuals into revealing private information that can be used for identity theft, financial theft, or other fraudulent activities. Given the prevalence of text messaging as a form of communication, smishing has become a significant concern in cybersecurity.

Smishing vs. Phishing

Both smishing and phishing are cyberattacks that trick individuals into providing personal, sensitive information. They differ primarily in their delivery methods and the technologies they exploit.

Phishing

This is a broader term for a method of deceptive communication intending to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. Typically, phishing attacks occur via email. The attacker sends a seemingly legitimate email encouraging the recipient to click on a link. This link leads to a fraudulent website resembling a trusted site where the recipient is prompted to enter sensitive information.

Smishing

This form of phishing uses Short Message Service (SMS), commonly known as text messages, instead of email. Typically, the scammer poses as a legitimate institution, such as a bank, a service provider, or a reputed company. 

The text message they send creates a sense of urgency or threatens consequences if the victim doesn’t respond immediately. It downloads malware on the phone or includes a link to a fraudulent website designed to look like a legitimate organization’s site. When victims reach that site they are tricked into entering their personal information.

It’s essential never to share personal information in response to unsolicited messages, whether received via email or text, and to independently verify the request through known trusted channels.

7 Types of Smishing

Smishing attacks can take several forms, each with its approach but aiming to trick victims into divulging sensitive information or performing actions beneficial to the attacker. Here are some of the most common types of smishing attacks:

1. Impersonation Scams: The attacker pretends to be a known organization or individual. The attack could be via a message pretending to be from a bank, government agency, or a reputable company.

2. Tech Support Scams: Attackers pose as representatives from tech companies, claiming that the victim’s device or account has been compromised and that they need sensitive data to fix the problem.

3. Account Suspension Scams: These messages claim that an account (bank account, social media or any other service) has been suspended and prompt the victim to verify their identity by providing sensitive information.

4. Missed Delivery Scams: Attackers send messages claiming that the victim has missed a package delivery, and they need to provide personal details or a fee to reschedule the delivery.

5. Prize or Lottery Scams: Messages claiming that the victim has won a prize or a lottery, and they need to provide personal details or make a payment to claim the winnings.

6. Charity Scams: In these attacks, scammers impersonate a charitable organization and ask for donations, usually following a large-scale disaster or during the holiday season.

7. Malware Link Scams: Messages containing a link, which, when clicked, installs malware on the victim’s device, allowing the attacker to steal information or gain control over the device.

Attackers are constantly innovating and finding new ways to exploit human trust, so it’s crucial to be skeptical of any unsolicited or unexpected message that asks for sensitive information or prompts to click a link.

What Is a Smishing Attack?

A smishing attack is a type of cybercrime that uses deceptive SMS text messages to trick recipients into providing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data. It exploits people’s trust in text messages.

In a smishing attack, a criminal sends a text message pretending to be from a legitimate and trusted source, such as a bank, government agency or reputable business. This message typically creates a sense of urgency, often claiming immediate action is needed to avoid serious consequences. For instance, the message might state that your bank account will be frozen if you don’t verify your banking details immediately.

The message usually links to a fraudulent website designed to look like the legitimate entity’s site. When victims click on the link, they’re taken to the fake site and encouraged to enter their personal information, which the attacker then captures. Alternatively, clicking the link may download malicious software that can steal information from the victim’s device.

How Does Smishing Work?

Smishing uses social engineering techniques, manipulation, and deceit to trick victims into providing sensitive information. As people trust text messages more than emails, fraudsters have started using them for their schemes.

Here’s a general breakdown of how a smishing attack unfolds:

1. Crafting a Compelling Message: The attacker first crafts a deceptive SMS text message. This message typically mimics a legitimate institution such as a bank, a government agency or a well-known business. The text is designed to elicit a sense of urgency or fear, prompting immediate action from the recipient.

2. Sending the Message: The attacker sends this message to the intended victim. The phone number or name on the recipient’s phone is often spoofed to appear legitimate, further convincing the victim of the message’s authenticity.

3. Creating a False Need: The message usually instructs the recipient to take immediate action to avoid a negative consequence. For example, it might claim that the recipient’s bank account is about to be suspended or their credit card information needs to be confirmed.

4. Providing a Solution: The solution typically involves clicking on a provided link or replying to the message with personal information. The link may direct the victim to a fraudulent website designed to mimic a legitimate website closely. Here, the victim may be prompted to input sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details.

5. Collecting Information: Once the victim enters their information into the fraudulent site, the attacker collects this data. This can lead to serious ramifications such as identity theft or financial fraud.

6. Malware Installation: Sometimes, clicking on the link may also download malware onto the victim’s device. This can further compromise security and privacy by providing the attacker ongoing access to the victim’s device and data.

The effectiveness of smishing relies largely on the recipient’s trust in the message’s source and their reaction to the urgency conveyed in the message. By being aware of smishing tactics, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to such attacks.

5 Examples of Smishing Attacks

Smishing is a method of cybercrime where attackers use deceptive text messages to trick victims into giving up sensitive information, downloading malware, or visiting malicious websites. Here are five examples of smishing attacks:

• Bank Fraud Alert: Your bank’s text message states there’s been suspicious activity on your account. It asks you to confirm your identity by clicking a link and entering your account details.
• Missed Delivery Notification: You receive a text from what appears to be a delivery service such as FedEx or DHL. The message states that you missed a package delivery and asks you to click a link to reschedule, often requesting personal information or a small fee.
• Account Verification: A message claims to be from a popular online service (such as Amazon or PayPal) and suggests a problem with your account. It requests that you verify your account details by following a link and entering your login information.
• Tech Support: A text message warns that your computer has been infected with a virus. The message, supposedly from a known tech company, urges you to install an “antivirus” by clicking on a provided link, which is malware.
• Gift Card Winnings: You will receive a text congratulating you on winning a substantial gift card for a popular store. To claim the prize, click on a link and provide some personal details for verification.

These examples illustrate the deceptive strategies scammers employ. It’s crucial to remember that legitimate companies generally won’t request sensitive information via text message. Always be suspicious of unsolicited messages that create a sense of urgency or ask for personal details.

Also, phishing attacks rely on deception and social engineering, so it’s crucial to remain skeptical of unexpected or suspicious messages, particularly those that request sensitive information or prompt you to click a link or download an attachment.

How To Protect Against Smishing

Protecting against smishing attacks involves a combination of awareness, vigilance, and adopting specific precautionary measures. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Be Suspicious: Always be wary of unsolicited messages that request personal information or urge you to take immediate action.
2. Don’t Click on Links: Avoid clicking on links in unexpected or unsolicited text messages. If you believe the message could be legitimate, independently look up the company’s contact information and contact them directly for verification.
3. Verify the Sender: Be cautious of messages from unknown numbers or numbers that don’t look like phone numbers. Scammers often anonymize their true phone numbers using email-to-text technologies.
4. Install Security Software: Keep your mobile device secure using trusted security software, and ensure that all your devices have the latest updates and patches.
5. Educate Yourself and Others: Awareness is a powerful tool against smishing. Understand the tactics scammers use and share this knowledge with friends and family.
6. Use Two-Factor Authentication: Implement two-factor authentication on your accounts when possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for scammers to access your accounts, even if they get your login details.
7. Don’t Respond: If you receive a scamming text, don’t respond, even if the message gives you an option to “opt out” of future messages. Responding can confirm to the scammer that your number is active.
8. Report Smishing Attempts: Forward smishing texts to 7726 (or “SPAM”) on most carriers. This helps your carrier identify and block spammers. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States.

Remember, the most important rule is never to share your personal information in response to an unsolicited message. If in doubt, contact the company or organization using legitimate contact details.