The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that smishing, or SMS phishing, is a growing threat.^* Smishing involves scammers sending fraudulent text messages to trick you into sharing personal information or clicking on malicious links. At best, these messages are annoying. At worst, they can lead to identity theft or financial loss. We’re all tired of smishing scams, so let’s talk about the effective ways to combat them.

How to reduce smishing scams

Scammers often disguise their smishing messages so they appear legitimate, tricking you into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, bank account details or multifactor authentication security codes. With access to this information, they can steal your money, identity or both. To help keep yourself safe from smishing and similar scams, you should:

1. Never click links from unknown senders. A common tactic scammers use is pretending to be a delivery service, such as USPS or FedEx, and offering a link to track your package. When it comes to tracking packages, it’s safest to use an official website, rather than clicking links in text messages or emails.
2. Apply extra scrutiny to unexpected messages. An unsolicited text from your bank, the IRS, government authorities — or even your company’s CEO — is unlikely to be real. When in doubt, always verify by using a separate communication channel, such as the official phone number posted on the organization’s website, before proceeding.
3. Pause and ask for help. If you’re not sure about the authenticity of a text message, always ask a trusted source for assistance, such as a Grow Financial team member through our Member Contact Center or at a Grow store.
4. Protect your personal information. Before entering personal information on any website, email or text chain, pause and consider why it’s needed and what will happen to it. Never share your Social Security number or financial account information with anyone.
5. Report unwanted messages. Reporting unwanted messages can help prevent scams. Use your phone’s “report spam” option or forward smishing texts to 7726 (SPAM). Unwanted emails should be reported to your email provider. Additionally, many wireless providers and call-blocking apps can help prevent unwanted messages.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to smishing scams and keep your personal information safe. Stay vigilant, safeguard your personal information and remember to report or delete suspicious messages to protect yourself from fraud. For more information about staying safe from scams, visit Prevent Identify Theft.

^*Federal Trade Commission. Avoid the Temptation of Smishing Scams. Published February 1, 2024. Accessed July 24, 2024. https://www.fcc.gov/avoid-temptation-smishing-scams.

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