Smishing
Smishing is an online attack that uses fake SMS (short message service) messages to steal information. These messages often contain links that download dangerous malware or requests for personal information. The term is a combination of "SMS" and "phishing".
Recognizing a Scam Text
Protect Yourself When You’ve Been “Smished”
- Check the phone number by calling the official number of who the text claims to be – NOT the number the text came from. You can find this number on their verified company website, or in your contacts if it’s someone you know personally. Alert them that there’s an online threat posing as them.
- Never click links. These can allow downloads of dangerous malware onto your device.
- Protect sensitive information. Don’t keep credit card numbers saved on your device. Be sure to store personal information and passwords in secure places.
- Do not respond, even if it tells you to text “STOP” to opt out of receiving texts
- Report SMS phishing to CES Security Operations Center. Call/text 801-422-7788 or email phishing@byu.edu . They help students stay safe by taking preventative measures to keep cyber-attackers away.
- Delete messages. Interacting can cause opportunities for the hacker to take advantage of your information
- Block the number.
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