Text Scam Using Phony Verizon Texts

Phishing emails don’t just hit your inbox, they come through text messages on your phone too. Utilizing text messages, or short message service (SMS), for phishing attempts is known as “Smishing”.

The newest scam?–sending text messages that appear to come from the popular cell phone service provider, Verizon. And boy do they look real!

The text message is designed to look like a security alert. It warns you to click the link and validate your account before your account access is disabled. If you fall for this alert and click on the link, you’re brought to a very convincing fake website that looks identical to Verizon’s login page. You’re instructed to sign in to your account to “validate your account security”, but if you mistakenly enter your credentials here, the attackers will have your login information and be able to take over your account.

Remember the tips below to protect yourself from smishing scams:

• Links sent through text messages are usually shortened. Therefore, you can’t see where the link will actually take you. If your mobile device allows it, before clicking the link, hold your finger down to see the full web address of where the link will take you.

• Always log in to your online accounts through your phone’s browser or through the mobile application you’ve installed on your phone, instead of clicking an unexpected link.

• Never use the same password for multiple accounts. If you did fall for a scam such as this you may not even realize it happened, but the attackers would be able to break into all of the accounts where you use the same password.

if you need assistance with cybersecurity services contact DarkHound at [email protected].

Source: Knowbe4

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