Smishing Scams- Definition, Latest News, and Preventions

As technology and the internet become more pervasive in our everyday lives, the chance of becoming a victim of cybercrime has substantially increased. However, Cybercriminals find new techniques for swindling people into their trap and smishing is one of them. Since we all work online it has become easier than ever for hackers to con people into falling for smishing scams 

Let’s learn something new about this smishing scam.

What Are Smishing Scams?

The term “smishing” is a combination of “phishing,” or the technique of collecting personal or financial information through duplicitous communications, typically emails, and “SMS,” or short messaging service, the technology underlying texting. In essence, it’s phishing through a different channel—text messages on mobile devices.

Smishing SMS, like phishing emails, are social engineering fraud schemes that persuade victims to hand over personal information like Social Security numbers, credit card details, and account passwords or grant access to a company’s computer network. Moreover, they focus on convincing you that the message is coming from a known or reliable source and that immediate action is necessary to obtain a reward, solve an issue, or stop a threat.

Latest News of Smishing Scams 

As per the indiatoday.in, victim Nagma got a notification warning her that her mobile net banking will be stop by evening if she didn’t update her PAN. Nagma clicked on a link believing it to be an urgent message from the bank and was sent to a website where she was asked to enter an OTP. The OTP she had received on her mobile device had to be entered, though, otherwise, Rs 99,998 would have been taken out of her account right away.

A case register under sections 420 and 419 of the Indian Criminal Code (IPC)and sections 66c and 66D of the information technology act.

How Do Scammers Operate Smishing Scams?

Firstly, smishing attacks often depend on social networking technologies used to email or other electronic communication methods. Direct communications delivered through social networks and SMS text messages are a few techniques.

In order to learn more about the victim’s background, hobbies, and activities. Fraudsters might access public databases of information. typically through social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. These sources are typically utilize to find out details on potential victims, including names, work titles, and email addresses. After that, scammers may utilize that victim’s information to create a convincing email with malicious links.

Warning Signs to Look Out

Here are some signs that you can look to protect yourself from smishing scams.

1. That text message request you to fill social security number and password of your online accounts. 
2. The message requests that you click on a link in order to solve an issue, claim a prize, or use a service.
3.  Sender of a mail is identify as a government agency. According to the FCC, governmental organizations usually never call or text a person first.
4. Moreover, the SMS demands personal information for contact tracking or offers coronavirus-related testing, treatment, or financial help.

How to Prevent this Scam?

Here are some safety measures to avoid smishing scams. Follow these steps in your daily life.

1. Firstly, OTP is a security PIN, never share it with anyone. And do not share or enter it on an unauthorized website.
2. Make it a habit not to share your sensitive information with anyone.
3. Remember banks never call you for any updates or ask for OTP and bank credentials.
4. Install free anti-phishing add-ons. Nowadays, the majority of browsers allow you to download add-ons that detect the telltale characteristics of a fraudulent website. Or warn you about well-known phishing websites. There is no reason not to install on every device in your company as they are often entirely free.
5. In addition to this install a firewall on your device
6. To avoid smishing scams, you should make it a practice to rotate your passwords regularly.

Conclusion 

Nowadays cybercrimes are repeatedly rising in India. Therefore, people are falling prey to smishing scams very quickly. It’s because of the lack of awareness between us. If we all start getting aware of these rising rates of scams, then these scams can be controlled. We all need just to follow some simple steps that are discussed in the article and for professional help, you can contact India’s top cyber expert Anuraag Singh.