SMS phishing, known as “smishing,” usually includes a link to a site that spoofs a popular bank to try and gather personal information. A recent smish (pictured above) involves an attempt to get users to confirm a payment. Once a user responds, it is followed up by a phone call from the hacker mimicking the fraud department of that bank. The hackers have been known to ask for information to confirm the respondent’s identity. These hackers can then use the phished information to set up new financial accounts in the victim’s name, which can be used to transfer stolen funds.
Do not be a phishing victim! When in doubt, hang up, look up the number of the organization supposedly calling you, and call back.