(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – City National Bank of Metropolis advised late last week of “SMS phishing” reports.
Smishing is a social engineering attack that uses fake mobile text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money to cybercriminals. The term “smishing” is a combination of “SMS”—or “short message service,” the technology behind text messages—and “phishing.”
Here are some tips to help avoid SMS phishing, also known as smishing, attacks:
- Be skeptical: Be cautious of unsolicited messages and DO NOT click on suspicious links.
- Check the sender: Do you recognize the contact?
- Don’t share personal information: Legitimate companies won’t ask for personal information over text, such as your address, pin number, or banking details.
- Don’t respond: Don’t respond to prompts to reply, like texting “STOP” to unsubscribe, as this can be a trick to identify active phone numbers.
- Use security software: Install security software, such as antivirus programs, spam filters, and firewall programs. You can also use web filters to block access to malicious websites.
- Check your accounts: Regularly check in with your online accounts and change your passwords. For bank and credit card phishing, check your statements regularly.
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