Verizon issues warning about 'smishing' attacks - and reveals the messages you should ALWAYS ignore
Verizon has revealed the most common scam texts to look out for - including ones that claim you have won a contest you did not enter.
The telecoms giant urged users to pay close attention to so-called 'smishing' attacks, which a scam message is sent via SMS or text.
Fraudsters typically send messages that appear to come from reputed organizations to try and dupe unsuspecting victims into handing over personal information such as bank details, credit card information or even a social security number.
A smishing attack might also involve a spam text which tries to get you to click on a link to a fraudulent website.
The wireless provider shared some red flags to look out for if you receive something suspicious in your inbox - and the messages you should always ignore.
Verizon warned customers to pay close attention to 'smishing' scams via text message
Scammers will typically send messages that appear to come from reputed organizations
According to the FBI, Americans lost $10.3 billion to internet fraud last year. Phishing scams were the most common crimes, with 300,497 victims reporting having over $52 million stolen in 2022.
The first sign that a message is a scam is if it has no relevance to you or any activity you have undertaken, Verizon said.
Often, scammers will try and lure you in by saying you've won a contest or cash prize.
Messages may also 'purport that you have an issue with a package', the telecoms company warned consumers.
If you haven't placed an online order recently, it is most likely a scam message. But if you have, take a moment and do not respond in a hurry. Carefully check the source of the message to verify if it’s legitimate.
Attackers will often try to play with your mind by asking you to take immediate action, Verizon warned. If a message is asking you to do something urgently, it’s likely to be a con.
Verizon warned attackers will often play with your mind and ask you to take immediate action
Warning sign: Verizon warns to never answer texts which include suspicious links or emails
Scammers often pretend to be your bank or a Government agency. They may say your credit card has been blocked or there appears to have been a fraudulent transaction - and ask you to provide information to unblock or reverse the payment.
Remember that that your bank will never message you to ask for sensitive information such as your banking password or PIN. Attackers can only victimize people who respond to these messages.
Always ignore a message if it is written poorly. 'Real text messages from legitimate businesses will use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling,' Verizon said.
Typically, smishing scams contain links or email addresses that redirect you to websites run by attackers. A red flag is if these links are lengthy or contain random numbers.
'Do not click on the link or follow prompts from these fake text messages,' Verizon said.
Some fraudsters will also pretend to be someone you know - like a friend, family member or colleague - and say they are using a new number and are in urgent need of money.
If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, contact your bank or credit card company as soon as you can to try and stop the transaction.
It is also important to report any scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
How to identify a scam message
The message has no relevance to you
Common scam messages will say you’ve won a contest, a prize or free money - even when you haven't entered one. And an increasingly popular text scam is one which says there’s a delivery issue with a package you haven't ordered.
The message is urgent or needs immediate action
These types of fake text messages could claim to be from your bank or a government agency.
The text message contains misspellings or poor grammar
Spam text messages can be identified by poor grammar, misspelled words and awkward use of language.
The text message is coming from a strange phone number
If a text message is coming from a lengthy and/or suspicious looking email address it is almost certainly a spam text message.
The text message contains a suspicious link
This is a huge warning sign. Do not click on the link or follow prompts from these fake text messages.
Source: Verizon
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