Beware of "Smishing" - Scams by Text

Smishing is when scammers use text messaging to lure targets into sharing credit card numbers and other personal information. The name comes from combining Short Message Service or SMS (the technology used for text messages on cell phones) with phishing.

• Scammers send hundreds, or even thousands, of text messages at a time in the hope that even just a few recipients take the bait.
• The text is urgent – you need to click on a link or call a number to deal with an issue like suspicious banking account activity or perhaps to address the suspension of an account or service. It may even claim you’ve won a prize and you need to act right away.
• The ultimate goal is to get you to share sensitive information – your bank account number, or user names and passwords. Scammers will then use this information to steal from you.

• Scammers are banking on you responding quickly (before thinking) to a text message.
• It’s easy for scammers to make the text look like it’s coming from a legitimate phone number.

• Be wary of unsolicited text messages – when in doubt, delete.
• Don’t respond to suspicious texts, even to tell them to leave you alone. Responding verifies to the crook that your number is valid, and that puts you at risk for being targeted by other scams.

Anytime you suspect fraud, you should also alert the SD Division of Consumer Protections by visiting  www.consumer.sd.gov or calling 1-800-300-1986. They can investigate the issue and help to warn other South Dakotans to stay vigilant.

When it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon.  You can join the Fraud Watch Network and receive alerts about scams happening in South Dakota. Any one of any age can join for free by visiting  aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or to receive Fraud Watch Network alerts by phone, call 1-866-542-8172.