Government Warns of Smishing Attacks, What is this and How to Stay Safe?

India’s cyber watchdog, CERT-In, sent a chilling message via Twitter: beware of “smishing,” a new phone scam aiming to steal your data and money. This “SMS phishing” scheme uses deceptive texts, often mimicking trusted senders like banks or brands, to trick you into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive information.

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Tip of the day: Beware of smishing attacks.#indiancert #cyberswachhtakendra #staysafeonline #cybersecurity #besafe #staysafe #mygov #meity #onlinefraud #cybercrime #scam #cyberalert #CSK #cybersecurityawareness #cyberdost #DigitalIndia pic.twitter.com/hl48RKEena

— CERT-In (@IndianCERT) December 19, 2023

Scammers lure victims with urgency, threatening account closures or tax issues. Don’t fall for it! These links lead to fake websites or infect your phone with malware, stealing your passwords, bank details, or even identity.

Remember:

• Never click suspicious links in texts.
• Don’t reveal personal information in response to unsolicited messages.
• Verify sender details directly with official sources, not the text.
• Report smishing attempts to CERT-In on their website or by calling 1930.

Stay vigilant and protect yourself from smishing! Share this message with your loved ones to keep everyone safe.

How to stay safe?

CERT-In shared some steps to avoid falling victim to smishing.

• Never click on any suspicious link in SMS/social media charts or posts.
• Use online resources to validate shortened URLs.
• Always check the link before clicking. Use updated antivirus and antimalware tools.
• If you receive any suspicious message pretending to be from bank or institution, immediately contact the bank or institution.
• Use a separate email account for personal online transactions.
• Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for emails and bank accounts.
• Keep your operating system and software updated with the latest patches.