When people think of phishing, they often picture suspicious emails. However, attackers have found new ways to reach their targets directly through phones. Two fast-growing threats in this space are smishing and vishing. These tactics exploit text messages and voice calls to trick people into giving up sensitive information.
What Is Smishing?
Smishing is phishing delivered through SMS text messages. Attackers send texts that look urgent or trustworthy, often disguised as banks, delivery companies, or government agencies. The goal is to push the victim into clicking a malicious link or replying with personal details.
Examples of smishing messages include:
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“Your bank account has been locked. Click here to verify your details.”
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“Your package is waiting. Confirm your delivery by following this link.”
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“Unusual login detected. Respond immediately to secure your account.”
Once the victim clicks, they may be redirected to fake websites or download malware onto their phones.
What Is Vishing?
Vishing, short for “voice phishing,” is when attackers call victims pretending to be trusted representatives. They may pose as technical support, bank employees, or even law enforcement officials. By sounding convincing, they pressure victims into revealing account numbers, one-time codes, or passwords.
A classic example is a caller claiming to be from a bank’s fraud department, warning that suspicious charges occurred on the account. In a moment of panic, the victim may hand over confidential details.
Why Smishing and Vishing Work
Both smishing and vishing succeed because they exploit human emotions such as fear, urgency, and trust. Unlike email phishing, which people have learned to spot, texts and calls feel more personal and direct. Attackers use this familiarity to bypass suspicion.
The risks include:
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Stolen personal and financial data
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Unauthorized access to online accounts
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Identity theft
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Financial fraud and reputational damage
How to Recognize Smishing Attempts
Look for these signs in text messages:
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Unfamiliar phone numbers
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Messages with spelling mistakes or odd phrasing
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Links that look suspicious or slightly altered
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Requests for sensitive details like PINs or account numbers
When in doubt, never click links from texts. Instead, verify directly through the official website or app.
How to Recognize Vishing Attempts
Warning signs of vishing calls include:
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A caller creating a sense of urgency or panic
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Requests for confidential details such as passwords or one-time codes
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Pressure to act immediately without verification
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Calls from unknown or blocked numbers
If you are unsure, hang up and call the official number listed on the company’s website.
Protecting Yourself from Smishing and Vishing
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Do Not Share Personal Information: Never give sensitive details over text or phone unless you are sure of the source.
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Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Even if credentials are stolen, MFA adds another layer of protection.
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Block Suspicious Numbers: Most smartphones allow blocking numbers and reporting spam.
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Stay Informed: Awareness training helps employees and individuals recognize new tactics.
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Rely on Official Channels: Always verify requests through official websites, apps, or customer service numbers.
Final Thoughts
Smishing and vishing may not get as much attention as email phishing, but their impact can be just as damaging. By targeting people through personal channels like text messages and phone calls, attackers exploit urgency and trust to gain access to valuable information.
The best defense is awareness combined with careful verification. If something feels off, take a step back and confirm through official channels. Staying cautious can help protect both individuals and organizations from these hidden but powerful social engineering threats.
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