Issue #1
A suspicious message wants you to react quickly. Your advantage is pausing before you press.
Download printable issueHave you received a text that looks like it came from your bank, the post office, or a delivery service? It may say you owe a small fee or must verify your account immediately. That instant panic is exactly what scammers want.
“Smishing” means SMS phishing—a phishing attempt sent by text message. Legitimate companies will almost never text you out of nowhere with a link demanding immediate payment or personal information.
Use your phone’s built-in tools or carrier-provided spam protection to flag or block suspicious numbers before they reach you.
If you receive a worrying text about a package, bank account, or other problem, do not click the link. Open the official app or type the trusted website address directly into your browser.
Banks and other organizations may send legitimate notifications, but verify them through the official website or app—not through the message link.