SMS phishing, or smishing, is a phishing technique that uses text messages to deceive victims and steal their money or personal information. Smishing attacks are becoming increasingly common, as they exploit the trust users place in SMS communication and the urgency of mobile alerts.

• Urgent Financial Alerts: Attackers send fake SMS messages that appear to be from a bank, credit card company, or payment service, warning the victim of suspicious activity or a problem with their account. The message often includes a link to a phishing site or a phone number to call, where the victim is tricked into providing personal or financial information.
• Fake Delivery Notifications: Smishers commonly send fraudulent text messages posing as delivery services, informing the victim that their package has been delayed or requires further action. The message includes a malicious link, leading the victim to a phishing website where their personal details are harvested, or malware is installed on their device.
• Prize or Reward Scams: Attackers send texts claiming that the victim has won a prize, gift card, or exclusive offer. These messages typically include a link that leads to a phishing page, asking for personal information or payment details to "claim" the reward. Victims, excited by the prospect of winning, are more likely to fall for this trap.
• Subscription Renewal Scams: Smishing messages may warn the victim that their subscription to a service—such as Netflix, Spotify, or antivirus software—is about to expire. The message includes a link to renew the subscription, which takes the victim to a phishing website designed to steal their login credentials and financial information.
• Impersonation of Government Agencies: Attackers often impersonate government agencies like tax authorities or health organizations, sending fraudulent texts that threaten legal action, fines, or other penalties if the victim does not respond immediately. These messages exploit fear and urgency, pushing victims to click on phishing links or call a fraudulent number to resolve the "issue."
• Security Alert Smishing: Phishers use fake security alerts, claiming that the victim’s account has been compromised. These messages include links to fake login pages, where victims unknowingly hand over their usernames, passwords, or other sensitive information. Once attackers have access, they can empty bank accounts or commit identity theft.
• Bank Loan or Debt Relief Offers: Some smishing campaigns target individuals with fake loan offers or debt relief options. The victim is directed to a phishing website that asks for personal financial details, such as social security numbers, bank account information, or payment details, under the pretense of offering assistance.
• Fake Charity Appeals: Attackers may send messages pretending to be from charitable organizations, especially after natural disasters or during holiday seasons. These messages encourage victims to click on links to "donate" to the cause, but the links lead to phishing sites designed to steal their payment information or personal data.
• Subscription Cancellations: Another common smishing tactic is to send messages stating that a subscription has been canceled or that the victim’s account will be deactivated if no action is taken. Victims, fearing the loss of service, click on the phishing link to "reactivate" their account, inadvertently giving up their personal and financial information to the attacker.
• Fake Mobile Service Provider Alerts: Attackers impersonate mobile service providers, sending fraudulent texts claiming there’s an issue with the victim’s phone service. The message may prompt the victim to click a link or enter their credentials to "fix" the issue, but instead, it leads to a phishing site that steals their information.

Smishing is a highly effective phishing method because users tend to trust text messages and are less cautious than they might be with email. Phishers exploit this trust, using urgency and familiarity to deceive victims and steal sensitive information or money through malicious links and fake websites.