Smishing is a variation of phishing where cyber criminals use compelling SMS text messaging to target mobile banking customers into clicking a link and sending the criminal private information or downloading malicious programs to their smartphone. As mobile banking becomes more and more common, it has become an efficient way for criminals to steal your private information.
HOW DOES SMISHING WORK?
Any person or company will need to send you a message with a link embedded in it, so you should view such messages with suspicion. They will usually show up as you are trying to verify an account or making an inquiry or having an active conversation with someone.
TIPS TO AVOID SMISHING
• Financial institutions will never send a text asking for credentials or private information. If in doubt, call your financial institution and verify the request.
• Never send private information to someone via text messages.
• Avoid responding to phone numbers you do not recognize.
• Avoid storing private information on your mobile device. Should a criminal install malware on your smartphone, your private information could be compromised.