Smishing: scam text messages
Smishing is simply phishing by text message, and it's one of the most common scams in the UK. The texts are designed to make you tap a link in a hurry, before you've had time to think.
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The usual suspects
Watch for texts about a parcel needing a small redelivery fee, a bank flagging a payment you did not make, an unpaid road toll or fine, or a family member with a new number asking for money. All play on urgency or worry to get a quick tap.
How to check
Don't tap the link. Real delivery companies and banks don't ask for card details by text link. If you're unsure whether something's genuine, go to the company's official app or website yourself, or call the number on their real correspondence. A moment's pause defeats almost every one of these.
Report and delete
You can report scam texts for free: forward the message to 7726 (which spells SPAM), a free service run by the phone networks. Then delete it. On iPhone you can also tap Report Junk under a message from an unknown sender. Reporting helps the networks block the scammers for everyone.
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