Smishing Scams on the Rise Nationwide: How to Protect Yourself from Text Message Fraud

Smishing scams—fraudulent text messages aimed at stealing personal and financial information—are becoming an increasingly common threat across the United States. As cybercriminals adapt to new technologies and consumer habits, text message scams are quickly emerging as one of the most effective tools in their arsenal.

What is Smishing?

A blend of “SMS” and “phishing,” smishing involves sending deceptive text messages that appear to come from legitimate sources such as banks, delivery services, government agencies, or popular retailers. The messages often create a false sense of urgency—claiming your account has been locked, a package is waiting, or you’ve won a prize—and typically include a link or phone number that directs victims to a fake website or scammer posing as a representative.

How Smishing Works

Smishing messages often:

• Mimic trusted institutions like banks, the IRS, USPS, or large retail chains.
• Use urgent or alarming language to prompt immediate action.
• Contain links to phishing websites designed to look legitimate.
• Request sensitive information such as passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers.

In many cases, just clicking the link can install malware on your device, giving scammers access to your data.

A Growing Threat

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reports of text message scams have surged in recent years, with billions of scam texts sent annually. The shift toward mobile communication has made smishing an attractive method for fraudsters—especially as people increasingly use smartphones for banking, shopping, and communication.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) also warns that smishing is part of a broader trend of social engineering attacks, where scammers manipulate victims into giving up confidential information.

How to Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams

1. Don’t Click Suspicious Links – If you receive an unexpected message with a link, even if it looks legitimate, don’t click it. Go directly to the company’s official website or app.
2. Verify the Source – Contact the company or agency through verified contact methods if you receive a questionable message.
3. Avoid Sharing Personal Info – Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information via text.
4. Report It – Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to notify your wireless provider. You can also report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
5. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – 2FA adds an extra layer of protection for your accounts, even if login credentials are compromised.

What to Do If You Fall for a Smishing Scam

If you believe you’ve been targeted or compromised:

• Contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
• Change any affected passwords.
• Monitor your accounts and credit reports for unusual activity.
• Report the incident to the FTC and local law enforcement.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Smishing is part of a broader trend of increasingly sophisticated scams targeting individuals through everyday digital tools. Awareness and caution are key to staying protected. If a message feels off—even if it looks official—take a moment to verify it before reacting.

For more information on avoiding scams and protecting your digital life, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website.