Smishing is a type of phishing attack that uses social engineering to get personal information about someone using text messaging. These fake texts are an attempt to get your personal information by pretending they come from sources you know and trust, like your friend, boss, the IRS, or a bank.
These texts often include messages like:
-
We’ve noticed suspicious activity or log-in attempts
-
There is a problem with your account or payment information
-
You must confirm personal information
-
You need to click on a link to make a payment
-
You’re eligible to register for a government refund
-
You’re being given a coupon
-
Your child is hurt and personal information needs to be sent for their treatment
-
You’ve been overcharged for something and you’re being offered a refund
-
You’ve won a prize and you need to claim it
-
Can you purchase a giftcard
Here are some examples of smishing texts:
-
“You have won $5,000. The prize needs to be claimed ASAP. Please reply with your bank information so we can deposit the money into your account.”
-
“Your package has been lost. Please click here for more information: http://bit.ly/123R4m”
-
“Your IRS tax refund has been denied. Click here to file a review in 24 hours: http://bit.ly/sdfsd5”
How to protect your phone against smishing:
To set up the filter on your iPhone, follow these steps:
-
Step 1: Go to the Settings app
-
Step 2: Tap Messages
-
Step 3: Find the Filter Unknown Senders option
-
Step 4: Turn it on by swiping the button to the right
If you have an Android phone, follow these steps:
-
Step 1: Go to the Messaging app
-
Step 2: Tap the three dots icon in the upper right of the screen
-
Step 3: Choose Settings
-
Step 4: Tap Spam Protection
-
Step 5: Turn on Enable Spam Protection by swiping the button to the right
For more information visit villanova.edu/ITSecurity
Questions or concerns? Contact the UNIT Help Desk at support@villanova.edu
#BeCyberSmart