Verizon issues a warning about fake SMS text messages called “smishing” designed to get you to send credit card info and more.,
You know what phishing is, right? That’s when you receive an email that looks real even down to the logo and the font. But the email has actually been sent by scammers looking to get your credit card information or banking password or PIN. This is done by sending you what appears to be an official email that attempts to get you to hand over personal information. For example, the email might say something like, “Your wireless service will be cut off. Tap this link now.”
Tapping on the link might take you to a new page that asks you to verify your identity by requesting your social security number and credit card number, expiration date, and security code. The attackers are counting on you worrying so much about losing your wireless connection that you’re willing to turn over personal information that you have no business revealing via email.
Now the nation’s largest wireless provider wants to warn its subscribers about smishing which is when you receive bogus messages from scammers via SMS text. Verizon (via U.S.Sun), warning its customers about smishing said, “Smishing is used to gather different types of personal information, including addresses, credit card information, and more.” Similar to a phishing attack, the goal is to get you to tap on a link that will take you to another page where your credit card info and social security number are requested.
