What is Smishing? SMS Phishing Attacks Explained

Smishing (SMS phishing) is a cyberattack that uses text messages to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, clicking malicious links, or downloading harmful software. The term combines “SMS” and “phishing”—the fraudulent practice of impersonating trusted entities.

With SMS open rates exceeding 98%, smishing has become one of the most effective attack vectors for cybercriminals. In 2025 alone, Americans lost over $10 billion to SMS-based scams.

How Smishing Differs from Other Attacks

Attack Type	Channel	Method
Smishing	SMS/Text	Malicious text messages
Phishing	Email	Fraudulent emails
Vishing	Voice call	Phone call scams
Quishing	QR codes	Malicious QR codes

Why Smishing Works

Smishing exploits several psychological and technical factors:

1. Trust in SMS

People trust text messages more than email:

• SMS feels personal (from phone contacts)
• No “spam folder” for texts
• Urgent messages demand immediate attention

2. Mobile Limitations

• Smaller screens hide URL details
• Harder to verify sender identity
• Quick actions encouraged by mobile UX

3. Urgency Tactics

Scammers create artificial pressure:

• “Act within 24 hours”
• “Your account will be suspended”
• “Delivery arriving today”

Common Smishing Examples

1. Fake Delivery Notifications

The most prevalent smishing attack impersonates shipping companies:

Fake USPS/FedEx/UPS Message:

USPS: Your package cannot be delivered due to
incomplete address. Update here: usps-redelivery.com

Red flags:

• Generic “your package” (no tracking number)
• Suspicious domain (not usps.com)
• Creates urgency around delivery

Real delivery notifications:

• Include specific tracking numbers
• Come from verified sender IDs
• Link to official domains (usps.com, fedex.com)

2. Bank and Financial Scams

Impersonating banks to steal credentials:

Fake Bank Alert:

ALERT: Unusual activity detected on your
Chase account. Verify now to avoid suspension:
chase-secure-verify.com

Fake PayPal/Venmo:

PayPal: Your account has been limited.
Confirm your identity: paypal-verify.info

Red flags:

• Banks never ask for passwords via SMS
• Suspicious domains with extra words
• Threats of account suspension

3. Amazon Scam Texts

Amazon impersonation is extremely common:

Fake Amazon Order:

Amazon: Your order for $849.99 iPhone has shipped.
If you didn't make this purchase, cancel here:
amzn-orders-cancel.com

Fake Amazon Prize:

Congratulations! You've won the Amazon $1000
Gift Card Giveaway! Claim now: amazon-prize.net

Red flags:

• Amazon sends notifications through the app
• Prize scams are almost always fraudulent
• Non-amazon.com domains

4. Government Impersonation

Scammers pose as IRS, Social Security, or other agencies:

Fake IRS Message:

IRS: You have an outstanding tax refund of $1,284.
Claim your refund immediately: irs-refund-claim.com

Red flags:

• IRS never initiates contact via SMS
• Government agencies use official mail
• Suspicious domains

5. Account Verification Scams

Targeting online accounts:

Fake 2FA/OTP Request:

Your Google verification code is 847291.
If you didn't request this, secure your account:
google-security.info

Red flags:

• Legitimate 2FA codes don’t include links
• Real codes come from verified short codes
• Google uses “G-” prefix for codes

6. Tech Support Scams

Claiming device or account issues:

Fake Apple Support:

Apple: Your iCloud storage is 95% full.
Upgrade now to avoid losing your photos:
icloud-upgrade.com

Red flags:

• Apple communicates through Settings app
• Non-apple.com domains
• Creates fear of data loss

How to Identify Smishing

Smishing Detection Checklist

• Unexpected message: You didn’t initiate contact
• Generic greeting: No personalization (“Dear Customer”)
• Urgency language: “Immediately,” “within 24 hours”
• Suspicious links: Not the official domain
• Request for info: Asks for passwords, SSN, card numbers
• Unknown sender: Unrecognized phone number
• Grammar errors: Typos, awkward phrasing
• Too good to be true: Prizes, unexpected refunds

URL Red Flags

Legitimate	Suspicious
usps.com	usps-tracking.info
chase.com	chase-secure-verify.com
amazon.com	amzn-orders.net
paypal.com	paypal-verify.info
apple.com	icloud-support.com

Sender ID Warnings

Legitimate companies typically use:

• Verified sender IDs (brand name appears)
• Consistent short codes
• Numbers you recognize from previous communications

Smishing often comes from:

• Random 10-digit phone numbers
• International numbers (+44, +91, etc.)
• Numbers that change frequently

What to Do If You Receive a Smishing Text

Step-by-Step Response

1. Don’t click any links

   • Even “unsubscribe” links can be malicious

2. Don’t reply

   • Confirms your number is active to scammers

3. Verify independently

   • Contact the company directly using official channels
   • Type the URL manually in your browser
   • Call the number on your card (not the text)

4. Report the message

   • Forward to 7726 (SPAM) in the US
   • Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
   • Report to your carrier

5. Block the sender

   • Prevents future messages from that number

6. Delete the message

   • Remove temptation to click later

What to Do If You’ve Been Smished

If you clicked a link or provided information:

Immediate Actions

If You Shared…	Do This Immediately
Bank account info	Contact your bank, freeze accounts
Credit card number	Call card issuer, request new card
Social Security Number	Freeze credit at all 3 bureaus
Password	Change it everywhere it’s used
Nothing (just clicked)	Run antivirus scan, monitor accounts

Credit Freeze Contacts

Bureau	Phone	Website
Equifax	1-800-349-9960	equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
Experian	1-888-397-3742	experian.com/freeze
TransUnion	1-888-909-8872	transunion.com/credit-freeze

Long-term Monitoring

• Monitor bank statements weekly
• Check credit reports (annualcreditreport.com)
• Set up fraud alerts
• Enable 2FA on all accounts
• Consider identity theft protection service

How Businesses Can Prevent Brand Impersonation

If you send legitimate SMS, protect your customers from smishing:

For Businesses Sending SMS

Best Practice	Implementation
Use verified sender ID	Register with carriers
Use short codes	More trustworthy than random numbers
Include brand name	”BrandName: Your order shipped…”
Avoid URL shorteners	Use full branded domains
Educate customers	Tell them what to expect
Never request sensitive data	Don’t ask for passwords via SMS

Sample Customer Education Message

REMINDER: [BrandName] will NEVER ask for your
password, SSN, or full card number via text.
Report suspicious messages to security@brand.com

Smishing Statistics (2025-2026)

Statistic	Value
Global smishing attacks	3.4 billion annually
US losses to SMS scams	$10+ billion (2025)
Average loss per victim	$1,000+
Most targeted age group	18-44 years old
Peak attack periods	Holiday shopping season
Delivery scam percentage	35% of all smishing
Bank impersonation	25% of all smishing

Technical Defenses Against Smishing

For Individuals

1. Enable spam filtering

   • iPhone: Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders
   • Android: Messages > Settings > Spam protection

2. Use call/SMS blocking apps

   • Truecaller
   • Hiya
   • RoboKiller

3. Keep software updated

   • Security patches address vulnerabilities

4. Use unique passwords

   • Password manager recommended
   • Limits damage if one account compromised

For Enterprises

1. Implement STIR/SHAKEN

   • Caller ID verification protocol
   • Reduces spoofing

2. Use registered A2P messaging

   • 10DLC or short code registration
   • Builds carrier trust

3. Monitor for brand impersonation

   • Domain monitoring services
   • Takedown services for fake sites

Smishing vs Legitimate SMS Comparison

Aspect	Smishing	Legitimate Business SMS
Sender	Unknown number	Verified/recognized sender
Personalization	Generic	Uses your name/account details
Links	Suspicious domains	Official company domains
Requests	Passwords, SSN, card numbers	Order updates, confirmations
Urgency	”Immediate action required!”	Informational tone
Opt-out	None or fake	Clear STOP instructions
Grammar	Often errors	Professional writing

Reporting Smishing

United States

• Forward to 7726 (SPAM): Free on all carriers
• FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• FBI: ic3.gov (Internet Crime Complaint Center)

United Kingdom

• Forward to 7726
• Action Fraud: actionfraud.police.uk

Australia

• Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au
• Forward to carrier

Conclusion

Smishing attacks continue to grow in sophistication, leveraging the trust people place in text messages. The best defense is awareness—knowing what to look for and how to verify suspicious messages independently.

Key takeaways:

1. Never click links in unexpected texts—verify through official channels
2. Look for red flags: urgency, generic greetings, suspicious domains
3. Report smishing to 7726 (SPAM) and the FTC
4. If compromised: act immediately to freeze accounts and change passwords
5. Legitimate companies never ask for passwords or SSN via SMS

Understanding SMS technology helps you spot fakes. Learn more about how legitimate SMS systems work to better protect yourself from scams.

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