In our increasingly connected world, cybercriminals are always finding new ways to trick us into giving up our personal information. One of the latest threats you need to be aware of is “smishing” – a sneaky form of scam that targets you through text messages. As your trusted financial partner, Home Bank of California wants to make sure you have the knowledge to keep yourself and your hard-earned money safe.

What is Smishing and Why Should You Care?

Smishing, which stands for “SMS phishing,” is when scammers use text messages to deceive you into revealing sensitive information or clicking on dangerous links. These messages often look like they’re coming from companies or organizations you trust, making them particularly tricky to spot.

The threat is growing at an alarming rate. Consider these eye-opening statistics:

• Smishing attacks skyrocketed by over 700% in just the first half of 2021
• Less than 35% of people know what smishing is, making it a goldmine for cybercriminals
• In 2024, the average person who fell for a tax-related smishing scam lost $8,199

That’s a significant chunk of change that could derail anyone’s financial plans.

How to Spot a Smishing Attempt

Recognizing a smishing attempt is your first line of defense. These scams often share common characteristics that can tip you off if you know what to look for. Be wary of text messages that:

• Create a sense of urgency
• Make offers that seem too good to be true
• Claim to be from your bank about account issues
• Congratulate you on winning a contest you don’t remember entering
• Pose as trusted entities like government agencies or popular services

Scammers are clever and often disguise themselves as trusted entities. One common trick is sending fake delivery notifications with malicious links. Instead of clicking these, always go directly to the official website to track your packages.

Protecting Yourself from Smishing

Staying safe from smishing attacks doesn’t require tech expertise – just a healthy dose of caution and some smart habits. Here’s how you can shield yourself:

Treat Every Unexpected Text Message with a Critical Eye

When you receive a text message from an unknown number or even a familiar one with an unusual request, pause before taking any action. Ask yourself: “Was I expecting this message? Does this sound like the person or company it claims to be from?” If something feels off, trust your instincts.

Verify Urgent Requests Through Official Channels

If a text message claims to be from your bank, credit card company, or any other important service, don’t use any contact information provided in the message. Instead, look up the official phone number or website and reach out directly. This extra step can save you from falling into a scammer’s trap.

Never Click on Links in Text Messages from Unknown Senders

Links in text messages can lead to fake websites designed to steal your information or download malware onto your device. If you receive a link from an unknown number, it’s best to simply delete the message. If it’s important, the sender will find another way to contact you.

Be Cautious Even with Messages That Appear to Be from Known Contacts

Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make their messages appear to come from someone you know. If a friend or family member suddenly sends you a strange link or asks for sensitive information via text, give them a call to verify the request.

Remember: Legitimate Companies Won’t Ask for Sensitive Information via Text

No reputable organization will ever ask for your password, Social Security number, or full credit card information via text message. If you receive such a request, it’s almost certainly a scam.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords for All Your Accounts

Create complex passwords that are different for each of your online accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and securely store these passwords. This way, if one account is compromised, your others remain safe.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication Wherever Possible

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond your password. This could be a code sent to your phone or generated by an app. Enable this feature on all accounts that offer it, especially your email and financial accounts.

Be Selective About Which Apps You Download

Only download apps from official stores like Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Before installing, read reviews and check the app’s permissions. Be wary of apps that request access to sensitive information or features they don’t need to function.

Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data. Avoid accessing your bank accounts, making purchases, or entering any sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi. If you must conduct such business while out, use your cellular data connection instead.

By incorporating these practices into your daily digital life, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to smishing attacks. Remember, staying informed and maintaining a healthy skepticism about unexpected messages is key to protecting your personal and financial information.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Smished

If you suspect you’ve encountered a smishing attempt, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

1. Resist the urge to respond to the message
2. Forward the suspicious message to 7726 (which spells out “SPAM” on your keypad)
3. Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
   • FTC: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/
   • FCC: https://www.fcc.gov/ 
4. Contact the impersonated company through official channels to verify the message
5. Keep a close eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity
6. If you’ve revealed sensitive information, contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts

We’re Here to Help Keep You Safe

At Home Bank of California, your financial security is our top priority. We’re committed to helping our San Diego community navigate the complexities of modern banking safely. By staying informed and practicing good digital habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to smishing and other online scams.

Remember:

• Knowledge is your best defense against cybercrime
• When in doubt, reach out to us directly
• We’re always here to help you safeguard your financial future

Stay vigilant and stay informed, and together, we can keep your hard-earned money safe from scammers and ensure your peace of mind in today’s digital world.