Cybercriminals are ramping up their efforts to steal personal and financial information through various scams. What used to be mainly a holiday time issue, it’s beginning to become wide spread year round. Whether it’s email, phone calls, or text messages, these deceptive tactics can put your sensitive information at risk. Understanding the differences between phishing, vishing, and smishing can help you stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.

Email Phishing

Phishing is one of the most common forms of cyber fraud, where scammers send emails impersonating legitimate organizations such as banks, government agencies, internet service providers, or major retailers. These emails typically urge recipients to “verify” or “update” personal information such as passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. Once obtained, scammers use this data to commit identity theft or financial fraud. Phishing can also occur through fake websites, web advertisements, or social media links that trick users into divulging confidential details.

Voice Vishing

Vishing, or voice phishing, occurs when scammers impersonate trusted entities over the phone to trick individuals into revealing personal or financial information. These fraudsters often use spoofed caller IDs to make it appear as if the call is coming from a reputable source, such as a bank or government agency. They may claim your account has been compromised or that you owe money, urging you to provide sensitive details or make immediate payments. If you receive such a call, always verify the legitimacy of the request by contacting the organization directly using their official contact details.

Text Message Smishing

Smishing, or SMS phishing, is a form of fraud where criminals send text messages that appear to be from a legitimate company, financial institution, or government agency. These messages often contain urgent warnings or fake offers, prompting recipients to click on malicious links or provide sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, or PINs. Once the victim engages, their data may be stolen or their device compromised with malware.

Keep Yourself Safe From Scammers

Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly more active by exploiting the rush of online shopping and financial transactions. Here are a few tips to keep yourself safe from phishing, vishing, and smishing scams:

• Verify before you act: Never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages. Contact the company directly through official channels.
• Check email senders and URLs: Look for misspellings, unusual sender addresses, or suspicious links before clicking.
• Avoid sharing sensitive details over the phone: If you receive a call requesting personal information, hang up and verify with the company using a trusted phone number.
• Beware of urgent requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting without thinking.
• Use multi-factor authentication: Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can help protect against unauthorized access.

Emerging Cyber Threats

While phishing, vishing, and smishing are the most common scams, cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics. Here are some emerging threats to watch for:

• Malicious Attachments: Some phishing emails contain attachments that, when opened, install malware or ransomware on your device.
• AI-Generated Scams: Fraudsters are now using AI-generated voices and robocalls to make vishing attempts more convincing.
• QR Code Scams: Smishing messages may include QR codes that lead to malicious websites designed to steal your information.
• Tax Season Scams: While scams spike during the holidays, they also surge around tax season, when fraudsters impersonate tax authorities to steal financial data.
• Fake Social Media Accounts: Scammers create fake profiles or hijack existing ones to trick users into sharing personal information or sending money.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these rising cyber threats.

How to Report Smishing

If you receive a suspicious text message, taking the right steps can help protect yourself and others from fraud. Here’s how you can report smishing attempts effectively:

1. Notify the Impersonated Organization

If the smishing message appears to be from a bank, government agency, or company, contact them directly using their official website or customer service number. Alerting them allows the organization to warn other customers and work with law enforcement to investigate the fraudulent activity.

2. Forward the Message to 7726 (SPAM)

Most mobile carriers allow you to report spam text messages by forwarding them to 7726, which spells “SPAM” on your keypad. This helps carriers track and block senders of malicious messages, reducing the likelihood of future smishing attempts.

3. File a Complaint with the FTC and FCC

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are responsible for enforcing laws related to scam calls and text messages. You can report smishing attempts to these agencies through the following channels:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Bureau of Consumer Protection
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20580
Phone: (877) 382-4357
TTY: (866) 653-4261
Website: www.consumer.ftc.gov

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

445 12th Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
Phone: (888) 225-5322
Website: www.fcc.gov

By reporting smishing attempts, you contribute to the fight against fraud and help prevent others from becoming victims. Stay vigilant, and always verify suspicious messages before taking any action.