SMS Spam (Smishing): When Text Messages Become a Digital Trap
Text messages feel personal. They land directly in your pocket, vibrate in your hand, and often demand immediate attention. That’s exactly why smishing —SMS phishing—has become one of the fastest-growing spam attacks in the world. Unlike email phishing, which many people have learned to distrust, smishing exploits a false sense of safety. People assume text messages are more “secure” or more likely to be legitimate. Scammers know this—and they take full advantage. In this post, we’ll explore what smishing really is, how it works, real-world examples you’ve probably seen, why it’s so effective, and clear steps you can take to protect yourself . What Is Smishing? Smishing is a type of phishing attack carried out through SMS text messages or messaging apps. The goal is the same as email phishing: to trick you into clicking a malicious link, calling a fake support number, or revealing personal information. Smishing messages often impersonate: Banks and financial institutions D...