Smishing Is Fishing

Criminals have began targeting you through your Smartphone with an obscure smartphone shopping scam called “smishing”. They are sending texts that trick you into doing something against your own interests. Today marks an obscure shopping scam going on. Starting off with a text invite asking you to send an email for more info, which then gets you wrapped up in the scam.

As always, think before you tap!

As smart phones become the new norm, texts are being used for identity theft, bank account take-overs and to pressure you into giving out personal or company confidential information. Please watch the short video in this post made by USA Today that shows how smartphone scam works.

Most cyber security professionals who have been trained to spot social engineering red flags would think twice before falling for these scams.

Above is an example of a Smishing attempt. Can you identify the red flags in the image?

If not, here they are:

Apple does not post their logo in text messages.

The URL does not lead to a legitimate Apple website (http://www.apple.verify.com.de/login/?=al3342) as .de points to the Federal Republic of Germany.

apple.verify.com@icloud.com is not a legitimate email.

Apple support will not text you.

Apple will not include a copyright signature in text message.

To find your iPhone you must log into your iCloud account and click Find My Phone.