Q. I understand that there are now scams that target cell phone users. How does this happen on a cell phone?
A. We are in a new year and unfortunately that means a new scam. This time fraudsters are targeting cell phone users. Like traditional “phishing,” “smishing” schemers often pose as banks or lottery sweepstakes asking customers to contact them immediately about a pressing problem that needs to be discussed.
Victims of the bank scam are often asked to call a toll-free number and provide information, such as their debit card or account number and password, to a fake automated system. Victims have complained they have received text messages claiming their bank account is frozen with a toll-free number to call to clear things up.
Ultimately, these hackers are looking for you to respond with vital information that can lead to identity theft. In the cases of the lottery smishing scam, hackers want you to wire them money before receiving your “prize.” This is one of the biggest red flags of a smishing scam.
Text messages such as “win cash now!” and “Short on cash? Reply here!” are all red flags that a lottery sweepstakes fraud is involved. Many of these messages come with embedded links that can ultimately spread viruses to the phone if clicked.