Understanding Smishing and Strategies to Avoid It
Smishing, a dangerous variant of phishing, is on the rise in Mexico, posing a significant threat to individuals' personal and financial security. This social engineering attack uses mobile phone messaging or SMS to impersonate trusted entities, such as banks, delivery services, or government agencies, with the aim of obtaining sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and bank account details.
How Smishing Works
Crafty attackers send deceptive text messages, often with urgent language to prompt quick action. For instance, a message might warn about suspicious account activity or unpaid bills, tricking victims into clicking links leading to fake websites where they input personal data or are asked to provide information. The information gained can be used for identity theft, fraud, or sold on underground markets. In some cases, clicking a link can install malware on the victim's phone, compromising further data[2][4][5].
Common Smishing Messages
Various types of smishing messages exist, each designed to exploit vulnerabilities and catch unsuspecting victims. Here are some common examples:
- Bank Alerts: Texts warning about suspicious transactions or blocked accounts asking to verify information immediately.
- Delivery Notices: Fake messages from USPS, FedEx, or other couriers about a missed package with a tracking link.
- Toll Road Scams: Texts purporting to be from toll agencies demanding unpaid fees or threatening extra charges, containing malicious links.
- Urgent Payment Demands: Notifications of unpaid bills or invoices requiring immediate payment or account verification.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Scams: Messages attempting to steal 2FA codes by prompting users to reply or click a link.
- Fake Prizes or Refunds: Claims that the recipient has won a prize or is owed a refund but must provide information or visit a malicious link.
- Romance or Family Emergency Scams: Messages impersonating relatives/friends in crisis to emotionally manipulate victims into sending money or info.
- Job Offers or Subscription Renewals: Unsolicited job invitations or renewal notices designed to harvest details or deliver malware[2][3][4].
A Growing Concern in Mexico
Smishing is a growing concern, particularly for seniors in Mexico due to a lack of digital accompaniment in this sector of the population[6]. In 2023, fraud was the most common crime per 100,000 inhabitants in Mexico, with 20.9% of the crime rate distribution percentage attributed to fraud[7]. The number of victims of bank fraud increased compared to 2022, with 6,962 victims per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023[8].
To combat this issue, banks urge users to report any suspicious communication that may be impersonating the institution[9]. In the case of Santander, users are asked to send a screenshot of the suspicious message or forward the email to [email protected][10]. The National Victimization and Public Security Perception Survey 2024 was conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) to further understand the extent of cyber fraud in Mexico[11].
Stay vigilant and protect your personal information by being aware of smishing tactics and never responding to suspicious texts or clicking on links without verifying their authenticity. For the latest news, opinion articles, entertainment, trends, and more, visit our website now available on WhatsApp[12].
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