Text message or SMS phishing—also called “smishing”—occurs when scam artists use deceptive text messages to lure consumers into providing their personal or financial information.
How can you tell a phishing text?
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment.
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts.
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information.
- say you must confirm some personal information.
- include a fake invoice.
How can I identify a text sender?
How can I trace the sender of a text message? View the message on your phone. Look for the sender’s 10 digit phone number, which is usually located above the message body. Write this phone number down, as you’re going to need it to trace the sender.
Is it a real prize or a text message?
No real prize is waiting for you We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Don’t reply to — or click on — a link for a random text message you see on your phone saying that you’ve won a prize, gift card or an expensive electronic like an iPad. It’s most likely a scam.
What to do if you receive a text message like this?
It then tells you to call a “fraud prevention” number if it’s a transaction you do not recognise. When you click on the number to call there is someone there to answer. In fact, in this victim’s case, the call went on for 30 minutes and they discussed her banking details.
Why did I get a text message from my bank?
Worryingly, it comes on the same thread on your phone as genuine text messages from your bank because a mobile number is effectively being spoofed. So if you’ve saved your bank’s number in your phone, it will look like it’s come from that number. It says your debit card was recently used and names a store and the amount spent.
What to do if you get a spam text message?
If you’re certain it’s a scam, you can forward the message – along with the sender’s number – to 7726 (spelling SPAM on your keypad) to report it. You can also register a complaint with the ICO by ringing their helpline on 0303 123 1113 or online at For more advice on reporting scam and spam text messages visit the Ofcom website.
