If you’re a regular reader of our blog, chances are you’ve read a post or two about phishing. To mark Fraud Prevention Monday, today’s post is dedicated to “smishing” – a close cousin to phishing that targets cellphone owners.
First up: A recap on phishing
Phishing or brand spoofing is when scammers create web pages or email messages from what appear to be well-known and trusted businesses like a bank or credit card company. The goal of these fraudsters is to trick you into submitting sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, bank account information, social insurance numbers and passwords that will be used to commit fraud.
Next: What is smishing?
Smishing is the same thing as phishing, only the scam artist uses text messages instead of websites or emails as the vehicle to trick you into providing sensitive information. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, the name smishing is born from combining SMS (Short Message Service) with phishing.
Finally: What do I do if I’ve been a victim?
If you feel that you may have been a victim of fraud, please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Canada’s new anti-spam law: what it means for you and for us
Cell phone scams: what do you need to look for?
Own a cellphone? You need to know about ‘smishing’
OMG! Watch out for texting scams
I like this Jim
If you phone the Canadian Anti-Fraud centre be prepared to wait at least 45 minutes. It’s operating hours are geared for Ontario. I once waited for 45 minutes only to be told the office was now closed. Phone back tomorrow. I have never tried to phone them again!
I received a call on my cell from CRA saying that legal proceedings have been started against me due to monies owed to CRA. I know this is a scam however trying to report this as an incident is next to impossible as everything is geared towards a Victim.
Hi Sue, thanks for your comment. This blog post has more information on how to report it: https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/2014/03/a-scam-warning-from-canada-revenue-agency/. Did those options not work for you?
New texting scam started like the phone version of can you hear me to get you to say yes. From June 28, 29 and 30th 2019 I have gotten 3 different texts from 3 different states telling me to text Yes so I can get my ticket to win Mega Moolah Millions. Didn’t know what that was tell I googled it. Today’s text just said text Yes to win millions. All 3 texts had my first name on it. I don’t have my cell number anywhere on social media. Even all the many phony bank scams and 1 Netflix text didn’t know my first name. I was tempted to text Yes but instead wasted hours trying to find out about this particular type text to see if it was scam but could find no information about this type of text. Will not resp
Hi! I also received text messages (3x) telling me to verify my bank account no thru a website that’s similar to my bank’s website. What I did, instead of responding I went to my bank and verify if the text message was legit. It’s a scam; bank would never send text message asking their member to verify account with them. I hope this post would help people be aware of this type of scam.
Hi Margarita, thanks for the tip! That’s helpful!