The FBI has issued a nationwide warning about a growing wave of “smishing” attacks that are sweeping across the United States. Smishing is a type of scam where cybercriminals use text messages (SMS) to trick people into revealing their personal and financial information.

What Is Smishing?

Smishing is a combination of “SMS” (text messaging) and “phishing” (deceptive tactics to steal information). These scams use fraudulent text messages to lure victims into giving up sensitive data like passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account details.

How It Works

Cybercriminals have registered over 10,000 fake websites to fuel these attacks. Initially, the scam focused on fake toll payment notices but has since expanded to include fake delivery alerts and other urgent messages. These texts often include a link that leads to a malicious website where scammers try to steal your information.

Why Smishing Is So Dangerous

According to cybersecurity experts, smishing scams are more dangerous than ever because they are hard to detect. For example, if a text includes a suspicious link, Apple’s iMessage will block it, but scammers now advise users to copy and paste the link into a browser, making it harder to identify the threat. Additionally, these scams often target high-traffic areas, including Dallas, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, and have seen a fourfold increase since January.

How to Protect Yourself

Authorities, including the FBI and FTC, urge the public to be vigilant and avoid clicking on any links in unsolicited texts. Here are some key steps you can take if you receive a suspicious message:

Delete suspicious texts immediately – If you don’t recognize the sender or the message feels off, delete it.
Don’t click on links – Never click on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, visit official websites directly or contact customer service.
Report the scam – If you receive a smishing message, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and forward it to 7726 (SPAM).
Verify payments – If a message claims you owe money (e.g., for tolls), check the official website or call the company directly.

Stay Safe and Stay Informed

Smishing scams are evolving rapidly, with cybercriminals shifting their tactics to target mobile users. Because people are more likely to click on texts than emails, smartphones are an easy target for these attacks. Stay cautious, never engage with suspicious messages, and always verify before providing any personal or financial information.

By staying aware and following these simple steps, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these sneaky scams.