Oct 14 – NCSAM – SMS Phishing on the rise!

Spammers are getting good at sending messages that are almost too real to be true.

You may have noticed more text messages from “AT&T” referring to a bill payment, or reimbursement or a free perk. “Chase” texts warn of accounts being locked out. “FedEx” alerts for an incomplete delivery. The messages may seem real, especially if you have service with the provider that seems to be messaging you. But before you click the link to get a “reward” for paying your bill, there are a few red flags to watch out for.

In the latest scheme, scammers are using trusted company names, links and urgency to steal your information after you click the link in a text message — which can lead to identity theft and fraud if you do. The messages are expected to continue, even though wireless carriers have submitted a plan to stop robocalls — that doesn’t include the workaround for spammers to send texts. In fact, we’re expected to up to 86 billion spam texts, according to Robokiller’s August report.

It’s scary to think about accidentally clicking the link or not giving the text a second thought. We’ll tell you what you can do now to help keep your personal data secure and what to watch out for if you get a spam text. Here’s the latest on the FCC’s plans to stop robocalls, and how to use Apple’s Hide My Email feature to keep your email free of spam.

  1. First, never open the link
  2. Do research before replying with STOP
  3. Report a bad message to your carrier
  4. Use your phone’s built-in blocking tool
  5. File an FCC complaint to help stop spam texts

For the complete article, navigate to the following address https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/spam-texts-arent-going-away-anytime-soon-6-ways-to-avoid-the-latest-schemes/

If you have any questions about SMS Phishing or about any other topics we have covered so far this month, please contact the Help Desk at 717-871-7777 or email muncsam@millersville.edu.