20 20 Tax Resolution may sound like they're complaining, but we just want you to be safe out there. As if phishing alone doesn’t generate enough angst, now we have to be on the look-out for smishing. What’s that you say, there is now a scam called smishing? Think of it as the sneakier and more techy cousin to phishing.
What is does:
Smishing attempts to procure personal information such as bank account numbers, passwords and credit card information through text messages to your phone. A text will appear on your phone telling you that your bank accounts have been frozen and to immediately contact a provided “bank” number to remedy the issue. By using the link to the phone number, you not only dial a fraudulent number where scam artists ask for your personal information to your accounts, but you also invite more spam and smishing texts messages to appear in your text inbox.
Besides fraudulent bank text messages, the BBB says the scam will also pose as companies offering free products, mortgage assistants or lottery winnings to procure personal information. The following are tips on what to do if you find a “smishy” text in your inbox:
1) Do not reply. Replying to a spam text only verifies that your number is active, meaning more messages can be sent.
2) Check with your bank directly. Separate from the text, look up your bank’s phone number and contact your bank directly on a different phone to confirm the status of your accounts.
3) Avoid unknown links.
4) Block suspicious numbers.
5) Do not store personal information on your phone.
6) For more information, check the Better Business Bureau's website and make a complaint or click here to link to the full article.
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Home > IRS Tax Tips >
6 Ways to Avoid Smishing Scams |