Protect Yourself from Smishing

Digital threats are ever prevalent in today’s technology. One common threat is smishing – a form of phishing through text messages. Smishing, or SMS phishing, is when fraudsters send deceptive texts to trick you into sharing sensitive information or downloading malicious software onto your devices.

In this blog, we’ll look into what smishing is, how to recognize it, and steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.

Understanding Smishing

Smishing manipulates trust and immediacy of text messaging to deceive its recipients. These fake messages can appear to come from legitimate sources, like financial institutions, government agencies, or well-known companies. They usually contain urgent requests for personal information, like passwords, account information, social security numbers, or prompt recipients to click on malicious links that can compromise their devices.

Recognizing Smishing Attempts

Urgency and Threats: Smishing messages can create a sense of urgency or fear. They can threaten negative consequences, like account closures or legal action through creating a false sense of immediacy.

Unsolicited Requests: Beware of messages asking for personal or financial information.

Suspicious Links: Check any URLs in text messages carefully. Fraudulent links may redirect you to fake websites designed to steal your information or infect your device with malware. Malware is software that is designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a device.

Grammatical Errors and Typos: Smishing messages often contain grammatical errors or unusual language.

Tips to Prevent Smishing

Verify the Source: Before responding or clicking on any links in a text message, verify the sender. Contact the organization directly using a known, trusted phone number or website.

Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details, via text message or any other unsecured communication channel.

Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about current smishing tactics and share this knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues. Awareness is key to preventing fraud.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security that could stop a smishing attempt.

Report Suspicious Messages: If you receive a suspicious text message, report it to relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

AAGCU Fraud Alerts

To protect your account, we monitor your ATM and Debit Card transactions for potentially fraudulent activity. If we suspect suspicious activity, you will receive a phone call and/or email from our fraud department. If you have a valid cell phone number on file with us, you will also receive text alerts from our automated fraud detection system.

To avoid purchase interruption, please make sure your email address and phone numbers are updated on your accounts, so you can be reached. If we can’t reach you, your card(s) may be blocked for your protection until you call to confirm the transaction(s).

How it Works:

• You simply reply “Yes” or “No”
• If you text “Yes”, your card will remain available for use.
• If you text “No” to tell us it’s not your purchase, we will text you a number for the fraud department to validate outstanding charges, prevent any further fraud and block your card.  You may also call AAGCU anytime during business hours at 206-824-9800 to start the process of getting you a new card.

Note: Texts from our fraud alert system will come from the number 23618

If you believe you’ve been a victim of smishing

If you suspect you have sent money to a scammer, take immediate action. The first step is to cancel any card used and notify your financial institution about the theft of your account information. You can also contact an administrator or a helpline for the account. If the scammer has access to sensitive information, like your Social Security number, the FTC website provides useful guidance on what steps you can take next. It is always better to act quickly and take necessary steps to safeguard your personal information to avoid potential harm.

Remember that law enforcement agencies and consumer protection organizations are valuable resources for investigating and addressing fraudulent activities. Scammers always evolve and improve tactics to exploit unsuspecting individuals. To stay protected and informed, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Federal Trade Commission’s website. There, you can access information about recent scams, as well as helpful tips on how to keep yourself safe.

Conclusion

Smishing is a serious threat. By staying informed, understanding the signs of smishing, and following the preventive measures, you can help prevent yourself from becoming a victim of smishing.

Remember, your personal information is extremely valuable – protect it and yourself by being cautious and proactive. Stay safe and stay informed!