Aug 3, 2017: Did you know that a combination of phishing and Short Message Service (SMS) text messages is called SMISHING? These messages are usually crafted to provoke an immediate action from the user, requiring them to share their sensitive and confidential details.In ‘Smishing’, the message can also ask the users to click on a link or call on toll free numbers. If the user clicks on the link provided in the message, then a malicious software can get downloaded on their mobile or a single click on the link can take the user to a malicious website in pretext of an offer, discount or account credit. The text message can also create an urgency, by informing an account closure due to delinquency or in need of an important information or even to register for a new programme.

Few Safety tips to keep in mind:

More than 90% of social media, whatsapp and mobile graphics & video content are photoshopped – beware and verify before carried away or just treat them like cartoon jokes, enjoy & delete

Avoid clicking links within text messages, especially if they are sent from an unknown person. But, be aware that attack messages can be received from a known person too. So, think twice before you click a link.

Do not respond to text messages that ask you to share your confidential financial information

If you get a message that appears to be from your bank asking for account / personal information, contact the Customer Care directly at the number provided on the reverse of your card or on the bank’s website

Beware of messages sent from a number ‘5000’ or some other short code number that is not a mobile number. Never reply or click on the link

If a text message is urging you to act or respond quickly, stop and think about it. Remember that fraudsters use this as a tactic to capture your sensitive data

Never reply to a suspicious text without doing proper research and verifying the source

Never try calling a contact number mentioned in the text message from an unknown number