Alert, Alert, “Smishing” is a scam text alert from an unknown number that usually contains a link. Holy moly, as if we need more ways to be scammed 😒 Gizmo.com wrote about “Smishing” this week and I wanted to make sure you take precautions.
How Does Smishing Work?
Texts are sent (think SMS messages) by people who are “phishing” (looking) for information. Home run when they can get your personal information and/or money.
Often these texts come from a known company. Common smishing attempts specifically involve parcel carriers like UPS, FedEx, or Amazon sending package delivery notifications, reports the New York Times citing Teltech.
Reader’s Digest also states that other tactics involve fake texts from your bank, or friendly texts using a common name. The messages almost always have a link to an unsuspecting malware download.
The Verge reports that Verizon users are specifically being hit hard by smishing. The Verge also cited a Verizon spokesperson who said that the company is aware of the issue and is working with law enforcement to crack down.
CNET reported data from the cyber security firm Proofpoint that smishing attempts increased 24% in the U.S. alone and 69% globally last year. In a blog post, ProofPoint stated that they tracked a 328% increase in smishing attempts in the third quarter of 2020 as people worked from home during the pandemic. Banking messages were the most commonly used tactic.
According to data from the Federal Trade Commission, 21% of fraud reports that were filed in 2021 involved smishing–that’s 377,840 out of the total 1,813,832 reports that identify a contact method. Of those hundreds of thousands of claims, a total $131 million was lost, with an average of $900 per report.
Smishing reports are so high that the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center posted a PSA last week on how scammers are now sending messages posing as bank fraud alerts. They suggest (and I add on the last point!):
- Being skeptical of unsolicited requests for information sent by text and phone call
- Contacting the bank or company associated with the text request
- Relying on multi-factor authentication for extra security
- Contact the company who texted YOU directly before responding to a text!
Steps to Take If Your Identity is Stolen
IF your identity is stolen, be ready for a long, agonizing and costly process. Many credit card companies have adopted policies that try to minimize the amount of money you are liable for, but the implications can extend beyond your existing accounts.
CISA https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/tips/ST05-019 recommends to minimize the extent of the damage, take action as soon as possible:
- Start by visiting IdentityTheft.gov – This is a trusted, one-stop resource to help you report and recover from identity theft. Information provided here includes checklists, sample letters, and links to other resources.
- Possible next steps in the process – You may need to contact credit reporting agencies or companies where you have accounts, file police or other official reports, and consider other information that may have been compromised.
Other sites that offer information and guidance for recovering from identity theft are:
- Federal Trade Commission – https://www.consumer.ftc.gov
- United States Department of Justice – https://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html
- Social Security Administration – https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10064.pdf
Spring into Action
Tulip fields are beautiful in the springtime! Spring is a time for new growth, a fresh start and longer days. Perfect time to be alert and spring into action!
Tuesdays through June 21st, I’m holding a Live Interactive Webinar 5 Practical Tips Before Kids Leave Home at 4:30p Pacific Time. Feel free to spread the word! https://courses.thelivingplanner.com/live-webinar/5-practical-tips-before-kids-leave-home/register
Check out all my online offerings, resources, and information focused on the interconnected aspects of life: https://bit.ly/LPCourses.
And stay tuned for a new Live 12 week Contingency Roadmap Beta Group for Business and Personal Contingency Planning coming soon!
It’s important to me that I address issues that matter to you. Reach out anytime by email to let me know your thoughts: Lynn@thelivingplanner.com. “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.”– Lady Bird Johnson
Have a wonderful week –Lynn
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