Protect Yourself from the Recent Surge in Smishing Scams

OVERVIEW

Smishing, the fraudulent use of text messages to steal sensitive information, is a rapidly growing cyber threat, with reports increasing by over 80% in the past year according to the FBI. To stay protected, avoid clicking on suspicious links, verify senders, and report smishing attempts to your mobile carrier and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

IN DEPTH

Smishing, a combination of SMS and phishing, has become one of the fastest-growing cyber threats in recent years. This scam involves fraudulent text messages designed to trick victims into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, personal data, or bank details. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently issued a public service announcement highlighting the alarming rise in smishing attacks and urging individuals to take caution.

According to the FBI, reports of smishing scams have increased by over 80% in the past year, resulting in significant financial and personal data losses. These scams often appear as urgent messages from recognizable entities like banks, delivery services, or even government agencies. For example, a common tactic includes pretending to confirm a suspicious charge on your account or a missed delivery, prompting the victim to click a malicious link or call a fraudulent number.

The consequences of falling victim to such scams can be severe. Financial losses from phishing and related schemes totaled over $50 million nationwide in 2024, as reported by the FBI. Worse yet, the impacts extend beyond money—victims often face identity theft, compromised accounts, and emotional distress.

To protect yourself, the FBI recommends these critical steps:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited texts that request personal or financial information or contain suspicious links.
• Verify the authenticity of the sender by contacting the organization directly using official contact methods.
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages, even if they appear urgent or legitimate.
• Report smishing incidents immediately to your mobile carrier by forwarding the messages to 7726 (SPAM) and filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

By staying informed and cautious, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to these sophisticated scams. Cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, which is why vigilance is essential. For more detailed information on this growing threat, you can read the FBI's full press release here. Protecting yourself starts with awareness—don't give scammers the opportunity to exploit your trust.