It starts with a simple chime or ping. You glance at your phone and see what looks like a message from the bank: “Unusual activity detected on your account. Click here to verify.” You’ve already got enough on your plate. You’re rushing to grab food for dinner, and it feels like the time when, of course, something else could go wrong. (It’s been that kind of day…) With your heart racing, your adrenaline rushing, and your mind overloaded, you automatically tap the link. Just like that, you’ve fallen to the power of smishing. And, an unknown scammer has gained unwanted access.
Smishing: A Growing Form of Fraud
Smishing uses text messages (SMS) to try to trick people into giving up sensitive information or downloading malicious links. It’s quick, sneaky, invasive, and painfully common.
In fact, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) reports that text message scams are among the fastest-growing forms of consumer fraud. In 2024 alone, U.S. consumers lost $470 million to these types of scams (up from $330 million in 2022). Researchers in security have found that smishing attacks are increasing each year, with scammers shifting from email inboxes to texts, knowing that most of us are chronically connected to our phones.
If you’ve ever received these types of messages (and who hasn’t?!) or, worse, automatically tapped without realizing the risk, you’re far from alone. Unlike many of the somewhat obvious attempts in the past, these scams are becoming increasingly well-designed to appear legitimate. They use fear and urgency, often appearing to be from trusted sources. And they can trick anyone—from teens and seniors to business and even tech professionals
There is some good news, though: Once you know how smishing works and what red flags to watch for, you can more easily spot fake messages, so you’re way less likely to be fooled.
How Smishing Works
Scammers use smishing for one reason: it works. Text messages often feel more personal. And because most of us have our phones with us almost everywhere we go, texts can be harder to ignore (even when waiting in line at the grocery store, out with the family, or on a date). Most people automatically open texts, assuming any message that lands there is from someone they trust, whether that’s a friend, bank, delivery service, favorite retailer, or even potential employer.
Here’s a common smishing scenario: you get a message that looks totally official, complete with a company name and maybe even a logo. Perhaps it warns that your account will be locked, a package won’t be delivered, you’ve won a prize, or it’s time to schedule an interview. The message provides a link—often shortened or disguised—so it looks harmless or even exciting.
Unfortunately, tapping it can take you to a fake website that asks for your personal details. Or, it can install malicious software on your phone. Other times, the text may urge you to call a number that doesn’t connect you to the real customer service you’re expecting. Instead, a scammer posing as a friendly customer service rep answers.
These messages are meant to get you to act fast—before you’ve had a chance to really think about it. For example, they typically use language that’s brief and urgent, such as:
- Your payment failed—update now.
- Account suspended! Verify identity to restore access.
- Congratulations! You’ve won a $500 gift card.
Once you click, the scammer can then collect your login credentials, credit or bank card number, or even install Spyware. And because these messages come through your SMS rather than email, they often aren’t caught by security software or spam filters.
Fraud Favorite
Smishing quickly has become one of a scammer’s favorite tricks. Our phones hold so much information now—from banking apps to passwords to personal photos to private conversations. They even provide two-factor authentication codes. The right convincing message can open the door to everything stored. Ack!
Again, the scams are well designed. They steal whatever information provides the most value. Some scammers want your financial data, such as credit card or bank card numbers. Others are looking for login credentials, so they can break into your email or social media accounts to use them for further fraud. Some are looking to piece together small details, such as your date of birth, address, or mother’s maiden name, to build a more complete profile and steal your identity.
Smishing is also fast and efficient. Unlike old-school spam or robocalls, scammers can send literally thousands of texts in seconds, often with software that spoofs legitimate numbers. In other words, that text might look like it’s coming directly from your bank or a trusted delivery service. It may even show up in the same message thread as real alerts.
This all makes smishing especially dangerous: it targets your most trusted device, and it looks like it’s from a trusted source. And once that trust is exploited, the results can be financially and emotionally devastating.
Scams to Watch Out For
Smishing scams come in all shapes. Some are polite and professional. Others are urgent or even panicked. What they all share is their goal: get you to click, call, or share private information.
Common smishing attacks include:
- Bank impersonations claiming your account has been frozen, a transaction denied, or a suspicious purchase.
- Fake giveaways telling you you’ve won. All you have to do is enter your personal details to collect your prize.
- Account verification or password resets, which may look like they’re from a service you use (such as Amazon, Netflix, or PayPal). Similarly, they may claim your service will be canceled unless you update your billing information.
- Tech support scams warn you that your phone or computer has been compromised and to call immediately for assistance.
- Missed delivery notifications with a link to malicious tracking sites (this one is so common today).
- Job offer scams can be especially troubling as more people are searching for work. They often make enticing promises to earn money fast, work remotely, or build in-demand skills, only to use “direct deposit” information to empty your bank account or steal your identity.
Awareness: Your Best Defense Against Smishing
Smishing scams use natural human emotions—such as urgency, fear, excitement, or curiosity—against us. But once we see the patterns, they’re easier to spot and avoid.
Take a moment to pause before reacting to any message. Remember, smishing is built around the concept of urgency. Taking a breath gives you more time to think clearly before you tap.
Next, take a look at the sender. Many legitimate businesses rarely text with 10-digit numbers and instead use short codes (e.g., 32665 for Facebook) or use verified business text channels. If you receive a message, even if it looks legit, it’s better to contact the company directly through their official website or app rather than replying or tapping the link.
Speaking of which, never click on unfamiliar links or download attachments. If you think the link is legitimate, you can hover over it to preview the URL. Make sure it matches the company’s domain exactly and doesn’t just look similar.
It’s also a good idea to get in the habit of never sharing personal info by text. Never type in your full password, Social Security number, PIN, or financial details via SMS. A real organization will never request that information.
Another way to protect yourself is by adding extra security layers, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accounts whenever possible. That way, even if someone gets your password, they can’t access your account without having that second verification.
Last but not least, keep your phone (and any other device) software up to date. Updates often fix security vulnerabilities that scammers use to exploit. Reliable mobile security tools or anti-malware apps can also add another valuable layer of protection.
Small habits and a little extra diligence can go a long way to keep you from falling victim to smishing scams.
What to Do If You’ve Been a Victim
Even the most diligent person can still fall for sophisticated smishing scams. After all, they’re designed to look like the real thing, and scammers are continually refining their tactics to get past our suspicions.
So, if it happens to you, don’t panic. But do move forward with haste.
- Secure your accounts immediately. That means changing passwords for any accounts that could be affected, such as your bank, email, and linked services. If you have used the same password in more than one place, make sure it’s updated as well. Turn on multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Next, reach out to your financial institutions if you entered your credit card or banking information right away. They can freeze your account, reverse unauthorized charges, and replace compromised cards or account numbers. It’s a pain, but it’s worth the effort.
- Report the scam by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile carrier. That way, they can block similar messages, not just for you but for other customers. You can also report it to the FTC or at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Even after freezing your account and reporting the incident, it’s still important to keep a closer eye on your accounts and your credit. Setting up account alerts can help you catch further fraud early.
- Run a security scan if you clicked on a suspicious link or downloaded anything.
- Speak up. Tell your friends and family what happened. Sharing your experience could prevent someone else from being tricked in a similar manner.
Being targeted or even fooled doesn’t mean you weren’t careful enough. Smishing messages are designed to bypass your logic and exploit your trust.
Smishing: Stay Alert, Stay Secure
Smishing and other scams aren’t going away—as long as scammers can get someone to fall for them. But that doesn’t, however, mean you need to live in fear, dreading every ping.
As the old saying goes, “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” Focus on deliberate action and slow down before you click. Verify the message first, keep your software and security settings up to date, and use tools (like MFA) for extra protection. And if you do get caught up in a scam, remember, you aren’t alone. And you can get through it—step by step.
Technology is moving at an ever-faster rate. And it’s hard to keep track of the advancements of scams. But we can protect ourselves, our information, and our peace of mind.
Stay cautious and curious out there. Trust your instincts. And if a message feels a little off, it probably is. Slowing down even for a moment can make all the difference.