Get Precautions Against 9 Examples of Smishing

In 2024 smishing (SMS phishing) has become a significant concern for businesses and individuals. Through fake text messages, hackers aim to steal personal information, and financial details or install malware on victims' devices.

Smishing, or SMS phishing, is a cyberattack where malicious actors send fraudulent text messages to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information or installing malware. The rise of smishing poses significant financial, operational, and reputational risks. Below are data-backed examples illustrating these impacts:

In 2021, consumers in the United States suffered losses exceeding $10 billion due to spam texts, which include smishing attacks.

In 2023, 75% of organizations worldwide reported encountering smishing attacks, indicating a widespread operational threat.

In 2022, the Bank of Ireland compensated over 300 customers with a total of €800,000 after they fell victim to smishing scams, highlighting the reputational harm financial institutions can face due to such attacks.

These examples underscore the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and user education to mitigate the risks associated with smishing.

This blog sheds light on 9 common smishing examples in 2024 and offers insight into how Keepnet's smishing solutions can fortify your defenses against SMS phishing attacks.

What are the 9 Smishing Examples

Understanding the common examples of smishing can help you recognize and avoid falling victim to these SMS scams. Below, we outline 9 smishing examples, revealing the various strategies hackers use to phish their targets.

Bank Account Verification

This is the most common example of sms phishing. Hackers send smishing messages claiming to be from a bank, asking you to verify account details due to a security breach. Remember, legitimate banks never request sensitive information via text.

Package Delivery Notification

The other sms phishing example is fake delivery notifications. Generally, you must click a link to track or receive a package. Such links can lead to phishing sites designed to harvest your personal information.

Tax Refund Offer

Around tax season, smishers often use these smishing attack examples. They send messages about tax refunds, manipulating victims to click on malicious links with the promise of claiming money back. Legitimate tax-related communications do not come via SMS.

Credit Card Alert

In this smishing attack example, victims receive texts alerting them to supposed unauthorized transactions on their credit cards, urging them to confirm their details through a provided link. Always verify such alerts by contacting your bank directly.

Mobile Carrier Warning

Messages pretending to be from your mobile carrier can discuss problems with your account or payments. They then request personal details to "resolve" these issues. This is a classic smishing example to trick you into giving sensitive information.

CEO Fraud

In this smishing example, messages target employees and impersonate company executives asking for urgent financial transactions or confidential data. Employees should verify such requests through direct, secure channels.

Utility Bill Overdue

Smishers may claim your utility bill is overdue and threaten service termination. They prompt you to click a link to pay, leading to fake payment portals designed to steal your financial details.

Gift Card Scam

Gift card scam is also a common SMS phishing example used by hackers. These messages trick recipients into purchasing gift cards under the guise of a survey or a prize. Participants are then asked to share the gift card codes, directly transferring funds to the scammer.

Account Suspension Threat

These messages claim that your account will be suspended for various reasons, aiming to create panic. They often include a link to "resolve" the issue, which leads to phishing websites.

If you want to see phishing samples, read our other blog on the latest phishing examples from 2024.

Check Out Keepnet’s Solutions Against Smishing

Keepnet's Smishing Simulator is a powerful tool that boosts defenses against smishing attacks. Here's what makes it special: :

• Multiple Smishing Templates with Custom Options: With Keepnet, you can access a huge library with over 600 scenarios that mimic real-life smishing attacks. Customizing these scenarios or creating new ones that fit your company is easy. This way, everyone gets security training that feels right for them. Plus, you can pick the difficulty level depending on how well experienced your team is.
• Up-to-Date and Worldwide Friendly: The world of scams is always changing, but Keepnet keeps up. We regularly add new smishing scenarios to our library, keeping your security awareness training fresh and relevant. And if your team is spread across the globe, no worries. Keepnet has your back with training in different languages and the option to use local numbers for more real campaigns.
• API Features: Keepnet's Smishing simulator fits smoothly into your existing network tools thanks to its API-driven design.

Keepnet's Smishing Simulator is a solid choice for businesses aiming to boost their security awareness training. It’s straightforward, globally minded, and keeps everyone on their toes with the latest smishing scenarios. Plus, it gives you the data you need to ensure your team is getting sharper at spotting smishing scams.

Watch the YouTube video below and see how the Smishing Simulator can help you to boost your security awareness against SMS phishing attacks.

Get More Information About Smishing Examples

If you want to learn more about smishing and how to stop these sneaky attacks, the Keepnet team is here to help. Whether you're doing research, a student hungry for knowledge, or a business owner aiming to protect your operation, Keepnet has everything you need.

Keepnet's incident response platform and SMS phishing library are treasures of information. You'll find everything from real-life smishing attack examples to smart strategies for keeping your information safe and building a security culture within the organization.

Editor's Note: This blog was updated on December 5, 2024.