Smishing
Smishing is phishing carried out over SMS text messages, using a false sense of urgency to push you toward a link.
How it works
A text claims to be from a bank, courier, or government agency — a held package, a suspended account, an unpaid toll — and links to a fake page. SMS sender names can be spoofed or reused, so a familiar name in the sender field does not confirm who actually sent it.
Common warning signs
- No personalization — no name, no order number matching a real purchase.
- A shortened or unfamiliar link.
- Extreme time pressure ('respond within 24 hours').
How to protect yourself
Never tap the link to 'check if it's real' — look up the linked domain on AlertaSpam instead, and contact the organization through its official app if in doubt.
If it already happened
If you entered any information, change the affected password on the real site and watch for unauthorized activity.