Financial Security Tips. Part 3. Smishing Scams

Hey Lime family,

Yoh, these sub-zero’s have been turning sunny SA properly on its head . . . and if you’re anything like me, the only place we wanna be, is in a cozy bed!!!

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I’m lazy. At work I smash it . . . but at home, it’s to my couch with a blanket, or my bed that I dash for.

This is usually MY time to hop online . . . but alas, I’m not alone. No matter the weather, those pesky web dwellers with their clever scams, couldn’t care less. Come rain or shine, they’re always at their best . . . these fraudsters never rest.

Unfortunately I can’t change the weather forecast, but I can help you to learn real fast. Luckily to spot (and bash) a scam, you don’t need a degree. I’m giving you some pointers in The Art to be Online-Smart Part 3.

Remember to share with family and friends, so they too may know the scamming story . . . respect is what you’ll get and you’ll be basking in the glory!!!

On Friday the 21st, I’ll post Part 4 online . . . until then, have a groovy time!!!

Love and Light from, Lenny and Lime

Financial Security Tips. Part 3. Smishing Scams

“If it sounds too good to be true . . . it probably is . . .” – by Wise Dude

It could be a scam if:

What’s offered, or promised, sounds too good to be true
The “offer” takes you by surprise . . . the prize relates to a competition you’ve never even entered
You’re given limited time to confirm your details (THIS is what they REALLY WANT!!!)
You receive the information via a free email address (like Hotmail, Aim, Yahoo or Gmail).
You’re promised large sums of money. BUT you’re asked to transfer money to them, before they’ll “pay you”

The Smishing Scam

Smish-smash, this is when it’s time to dash . . .

You receive an SMS, seemingly from a legitimate organisation. But don’t be fooled, they start their tricking with a link to get you clicking. Should you make the click, you’ve fallen prey to their nasty trick. Sensitive information, used to access your profiles now belong to them too. They use it to commit fraud, leaving you without a cent, and very little to do. Urgent security alerts, and offers or deals too good to be true, are signs they’re trying to get info by hacking you.

They Smish like this

You receive an SMS seemingly from a recognised organisation, like a bank, asking you to call a toll-free number
When you call the number, a fake automated voice-response system prompts you to provide sensitive information, like your account number, password, and/or PIN!!!
Smartphones are used for everything, including Internet Banking. So, there’s always a risk, should your phone be exposed to a fraudulent act such as Smish
Clicking on a (suspicious) link could install malware on your device, or
Take you to a “spoof” website, where you’ll be lead to provide personal or confidential information

ALWAYS:

Delete a suspicious looking SMS immediately
Check that you are on an authentic/real site, before entering any personal information
Create complicated passwords which are not easy to decipher, and remember change them often

NEVER:

Click on a link or icon in an unsolicited SMS
Reply to a suspicious looking SMS

Well done! You’ve reached the end of Part 3 . . . but wait, there’s more . . .
Lenny’s back on Thursday with Part 4!