AN IMPORTANT Sky memo warns millions of customers to be on high alert for “smishing” attacks.
These dangerous text messages are designed to steal your private info – or worse, raid your bank.
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They could turn up on your iPhone or Android, and they’re extremely unsafe.
“Smishing is… the fraudulent practice of sending text messages purporting to be from reputable companies,” Sky warned.
“In order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
“Smishing messages differ, but they’ll likely be marked as Urgent or prompt you to do something immediately. Be wary of unsolicited or unexpected texts.”
Respected companies often text their customers.
This can make it difficult to determine which messages are safe or not.
Sky says there are some telltale signs of a smishing attempt.
For instance, they might ask you to send personal or financial info.
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Usually this will include a threat like:
- Your account has been locked
- You need to reset a password
- A direct debit failed so you need to add a new payment method
- You’re due a refund from Sky or HMRC
Another type of smishing text could ask you to download security updates or tap links.
These are often used to install malicious software on your machine that can steal your personal or financial details.
You may also be told that you’ve won something, or be presented with an offer that seems to good to be true.
These will typically only be available “for a limited time” to pressure you into urgent action.
Another scam involves the crook impersonating Sky Mobile or Sky Broadband to gain access to your phone or tablet to fix a problem that you haven’t reported.
How to stay safe
Thankfully once you’ve spotted a smishing text, it’s easy enough to stay safe.
“Never call the number that you got the text from,” Sky warned.
“Don’t reply to certain messages if you’re unsure who has sent it. Replying could result in receiving further SPAM messages.”
You must also avoid using the links or phone numbers in the text.
Instead, go directly to the official website or app to sign in and use the contact details there.
Sadly, if you fall for a “smish” link, you need to take urgent action.
“If you have already clicked on the link and provided the information asked for, and accepted any prompts to download, their phone may have been infected by malware,” Sky advised.
“The mobile industry recommends that a factory reset is the best way to remove the malware from their phone.
“The recommendation is also that, following the reset, the customer should avoid restoring from a backup created after the phone was infected to ensure complete removal of the malware.”
Make sure to change your passwords and set up two-factor verification on all of your accounts if you think you’ve been “smished”.
