FBI warning for iPhone and cyber Android consumers: How to avoid smishing scams!
New Delhi: Amid the much-discussed stories of cyber criminals, the American Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued an important warning for iPhone and technology Android consumers. The FBI said that recently the agency has received information about a new cyber scam, in which thugs are trying to steal consumers’ bank account information through SMS. This fraud is known as “smishing”, which is a mixture of SMS and phishing. The FBI has requested consumers that if they receive such a sleazy message, delete them immediately, as cyber thugs can try to steal through these messages’ bank accounts.
What is Smishing?
Smishing (SMS + phishing) is a type of cybercrime in which fraud is done through text messages. These documents usually send customers a false message, such as ‘your petition is pending’, ‘payment from your account has failed’ or ‘penalty order for not paying soon’. This message induces consumers to click on a link. Through this link, customers are sent to a fake website, where they are asked to enter their personal information or bank details. As soon as consumers fill in their information, money is withdrawn from their bank account using that information.
What warning did the FBI give?
The FBI has said that customers should be careful of such SMS messages, which appear unusual or suspicious. These documents indicate some kind of danger, such as ‘your shop is pending’, ‘money from your account has failed’, or ‘penalty business for not paying soon’. In such a situation, one should avoid clicking on the given link, because these links can send consumers to a fake website, where their mobile data can be stolen.
Method of cyber fraud
Cyber thugs have registered more than 10,000 fake domains, which they use to cheat consumers. Links sent to these fake websites ask customers for bill metering, account updates or other information. When passengers click on these links, they give their personal and financial information and then steal money using that information.
Ways to prevent smishing
- Delete fake messages: If you get any kind of unusual or suspicious text message, delete it immediately.
- Click on any link: Do not click on any link in the SMS, because this link can send you to a fake website.
- Official website: Always use the official website for any bill or pavilion-related information and transport from there.
- Verify the authenticity of the phone number: If you suspect a message related to a company or service, you can confirm the authenticity of the message by calling the company’s official contact number.
- Use security tools: Get good antivirus software on your devices and update it regularly. Also, use two-factor authentication to ensure your safety.
Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
