Stay Alert: How to Spot and Avoid the Latest Smishing Scams

Scammers are always finding new ways to trick unsuspecting victims out of their money or personal information. The rise of technology has led to increasingly sophisticated scam tactics that can catch even the savviest person off guard.

Being aware of the latest scams and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial.

One new scam to watch out for is “smishing.” This combines phishing techniques with SMS text messaging. Scammers send texts pretending to be legitimate companies and offering free gifts or alerts about suspicious activity on your account.

They include links to fake websites designed to steal your information or download malware onto your device. If a text seems suspicious, especially if sent en masse, delete it immediately. Never click on links from an unverified number.

Romance scams are also proliferating across dating sites and apps. Scammers create fake profiles, gain your trust through weeks of messaging, then ask you to send them money for an “emergency.”

Be wary of anyone asking for financial help or making lavish professions of love very quickly. Conduct reverse image searches on profile pictures to see if they’re stolen from somewhere else.

How to Spot Romance Scams and Protect Yourself

Phone calls from alleged tech support representatives are another scam on the rise. They may claim your computer sent error messages or has a virus. Allowing them remote access lets scammers install malware and steal data. Hang up immediately if you receive one of these calls.

4 Steps to Avoid Tech Support Scams

The best defense is awareness. Keep your personal information protected, research companies requesting your data, and think critically about any opportunity that seems too good to be true. Trust your instincts if something feels “off” and seek advice. Staying informed about the latest scams will help you spot red flags before they turn into real trouble.