Fraudulent SMS are a scourge that affects millions of people every day and represent a growing threat to digital security. These messages, sometimes called “smishing” (a term that combines SMS and phishing), are attempts to trick users into stealing their personal, financial, or professional information.
What are the main types of fraudulent SMS? How to recognize them? How can marketing experts ensure that their SMS communications are perceived as reliable and professional? We answer you in this article.
The techniques used in fraudulent SMS
Fraudsters certainly do not lack imagination when it comes to designing deceptive SMS! Let’s talk together about the most frequently used tactics.
Identity theft (or “spoofing”): Scammers send messages using numbers or contact names that look like those of known services (banks, administrations, etc.). This creates a false sense of trust in the recipient in order to extract information from them.
Fake hyperlinks: These messages contain links that redirect the user to fraudulent websites perfectly imitating those of well-known brands or institutions. Once on these pages, victims are prompted to enter sensitive information.
Emergency or threat messages: Fraudsters often play on fear and urgency. For example, a message may tell you that your bank account will be blocked if you don’t immediately click on a link to confirm your information. By creating a sense of panic, they push the user to act without taking the time to think.
Offers “too good to be true”: Some SMS promise rewards or winnings that seem very generous and especially that often come out of nowhere. This type of approach entices users by playing on their desire to take advantage of a good deal.
Here are some examples of fraudulent SMS:
- The fake bank message: “Warning! Your bank account is suspended. Click here to reactivate immediately: [link].”
- The fake parcel delivery: “Your package is pending additional payment. Pay now via this link: [link].”
- The fake prize: “Congratulations, you have won an iPhone! Click here to claim your prize: [link].”
- The phishing attempt: “Update of your information required for your PayPal account. Log in here to avoid any blockage: [link].”
Recognizing a fraudulent SMS
The sender’s number
If the number looks strange or comes from an unknown contact, be wary. Fraudsters can also spoof the identity of a known sender by changing one or two digits in the phone number.
Suspicious links
A shortened link (like bit.ly or tinyurl) is often used by scammers to conceal their actual address. If a link seems suspicious to you, avoid clicking on it and instead verify its authenticity by directly contacting the claimed service.
The urgent tone
A message urging you to act immediately, especially by mentioning serious consequences (account blocking, fine, etc.), is often a sign of fraud.
Language errors
Many fraudulent SMS contain grammar mistakes, spelling errors, or strange formulations. These errors are very good indicators.
Requests for personal data
No legitimate service will ever ask you to provide confidential information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or PINs via SMS.
How to prevent your messages from being perceived as fraudulent SMS
Marketing experts using SMS as a communication tool must be very careful to ensure their campaigns are not mistaken for fraud attempts. If you are one of these professionals, here are some best practices to adopt:
- Use an identified and easily recognizable sender name, such as your company or an official entity, and not just a phone number.
- Write clear, error-free messages. Recipients will trust the legitimacy of your SMS more if it is correctly written.
- Never request confidential information via SMS. If it’s really necessary, redirect users to a secure page on your official website.
- Personalize your SMS with the recipient’s name and specific information showing that you already have an established relationship with them.
- Work with certified SMS service providers that ensure good deliverability and comply with security standards. These platforms will also allow you to track the performance of your messages and verify the authenticity of the numbers used.
- Never forget the STOP SMS mention, which provides recipients with an easy opt-out option if they wish.
- Respect the legal framework regarding the hours and days of sending professional SMS.
You will have understood, vigilance is the first barrier against fraudulent SMS. Vigilance on the part of consumers, of course, but also on the part of legitimate companies that communicate through this channel. For the latter, a tool like Captain Verify can be particularly wise since it allows, among other things, to verify and clean contact lists.
