Smishing Smart: 5 Ways to Outsmart Text Scammers

Want to stay ahead of the phishers, smishers, hackers and scammers?
Here are Cloud Wide Group's Top 5 Tips for staying safe in the digital realm.

Protecting Your Digital World, Together!

Adapted from Bank of America (2024)

Smishing scams are on the rise, targeting mobile phones with clever text messages designed to trick you. As your “Cloud Keepers,” we want to empower you with the knowledge to stay safe. Here are five essential tips to help you detect and avoid these fraudulent texts:

Never Click Suspicious Links (Especially Short Ones!)
If a text comes from an unknown number, or if it looks even slightly off, DO NOT click any links. Scammers often use shortened website links (like bit.ly or tinyurl.com) to hide their true, malicious destination. Clicking these links can lead to websites that steal your information or secretly install harmful software on your phone. If you’re unsure, it’s always safer not to click.
Pause Before Paying or Sharing Sensitive Information
Be extremely wary if a text message urges you to immediately pay money or give out personal details like your bank account number, Social Security number, or credit card information. Legitimate organizations (like your bank, utility company, or government agencies) will never ask for this sensitive information via text message. Always verify by calling the organization directly using a trusted phone number (not one provided in the suspicious text).
Don’t Respond to Unknown or Suspicious Numbers – Not Even to Say “STOP”
It might be tempting to tell a spammer to stop texting you, but doing so actually confirms that your phone number is active and that you’re a real person. This can lead to even more unwanted messages and put you on “active” lists that scammers share. The best defense is to simply delete the text and block the number.
Keep Your Phone’s Software Updated
Your phone’s operating system (like Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android) regularly releases updates. These updates aren’t just for new features; they often include critical security patches that protect your device from the latest threats, including malware hidden in smishing links. Make it a habit to install these updates promptly to keep your digital shield strong.
Recognize Social Engineering Red Flags: If It Sounds Too Good (or Bad) to Be True…
Smishing scams often play on your emotions. Watch out for messages that create extreme urgency (“Act now or your account will be closed!”), promise unbelievable rewards (“You’ve won $1,000,000!”), or try to instill fear (“There’s a suspicious charge on your card!”). These are classic “social engineering” tactics designed to make you act without thinking. If a message seems too good to be true, or too alarming to be real, it almost certainly is. Verify directly with the alleged sender through a trusted, independent contact method.