Michigan AG Issues Warning About New Scam Targeting Your Phone
I don't know about you but it seems like scammers are always several steps ahead when it comes to ways of tricking and taking advantage of people.
I told you recently about area codes you should not pick up if they call your phone.
Now there is another scam going on that's similar to Phishing.
What Is Phishing?
Phishing is a technique for attempting to acquire sensitive data, such as bank account numbers, through fraudulent solicitation in email or on a website, in which the perpetrator masquerades as a legitimate business or reputable person.
Don't Be A Victim Of Smishing
If you've never heard of Smishing you're not alone.
According to Michigan.org, Smishing has the same goal as phishing but comes in the form of a text message. The scammer entices the victim by claiming a victim must provide them with a password, account number, or even social security number to stop an alleged fraudulent transaction. Once this information is provided, the scammer can gain access to the device and any personal information stored on it, including email, bank, credit card, or other types of accounts including social media.
What Are Examples Of Smishing In Michigan?
The latest smishing scam involves an alleged delivery notification with a tracking link. The increase in online shopping and home deliveries has provided opportunities for criminals to masquerade as delivery companies.
Clicking on the link will take the victim to a fake site where they will be asked to enter more details to prove their identity or to pay a non-existent fee. Clicking the link could also potentially download malware on the user’s device.
How Can You Avoid Being A Smishig Victim
The Michigan Attorney General offers up these suggestions
- Don't share your phone number unless you know the person or organization well.
- Don't assume a text is legitimate because it comes from a familiar phone number or area code. Spammers use caller ID Spoofing to make it appear the text is from a trusted or local source.
- Don't provide personal or financial information in response to the unsolicited text or at a website linked to the message.
- Don't click on links in suspicious text; they could install malware on your device or take you to a site that does the same.
- Don't reply, even if the message says you can "text STOP" to avoid more messages. That tells them your number is active and can then be sold to other bad actors.
- Never follow a text's instructions to push a designated key to opt out of future messages.
- Forward all questionable texts to 7726 (SPAM), so wireless carriers can investigate and block that sender.
- Do be aware of the fine print in user agreements for products or services that may use your phone number, like mobile apps and free ring-tone offers.
- Do report scam texts to the Federal Communications Commission online; by phone 888-225-5322; or by mail: FCC Consumer Complaints, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554.
These are some other scams you should be aware of so you don't fall victim to them.
LOOK: The biggest scams today and how you can protect yourself from them
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