Text message fraud, or smishing, manipulates victims into revealing sensitive information through fake messages posing as banks, delivery services, or government agencies. These scams often create urgency, contain suspicious links, and use generic greetings. For example, you might receive a text claiming you owe a toll payment with a link to a fraudulent website, such as: “URGENT: Unpaid toll detected. Pay now to avoid fines: [malicious link].” Similarly, package delivery scams are common, with messages like: “Your package is delayed due to unpaid shipping fees. Resolve now: [malicious link].”
Another version of these imposter scams includes fraudsters posing as someone close to you, like a family member or coworker, often through messages designed to evoke urgency or fear. For instance, you might receive a text claiming, “Hi, it’s [family member’s name]. I’m in trouble and need money urgently. Please send funds here: [malicious link].” These scams exploit trust and emotional connections to manipulate victims into acting quickly without verifying the situation. By targeting the human element, scammers make their fraudulent schemes more convincing and harder to detect at first glance.
Adding to the complexity, scammers can spoof legitimate phone numbers, making the messages appear to come from trusted entities like your bank or a toll authority. Always verify messages independently to ensure their authenticity and remember that SmartBank will never initiate such requests for your financial information or transactions.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify sources directly through official websites or contacts.
- Never share personal information via text.
- Enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
- Block and report suspicious numbers.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
If you encounter a scam or suspicious activity, report it immediately. SmartBank offers assistance:
- Email: ReportFraud@smartbank.com
- Client Services: 1.866.290.2554
Also report to law enforcement:
- Local police department
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov