For years the advice was simple: watch out for sketchy emails. That’s still true, but scammers moved where you actually look, which is your phone. Scam texts, sometimes called smishing, are everywhere now. They work because a text feels more personal and urgent than an email.
What a scam text looks like
You’ve probably gotten one. “Your package couldn’t be delivered, click here to reschedule.” “Your bank account is locked, verify now.” “Is this you in this photo?” They’re built to make you react fast, before you stop to think. The link sends you to a fake page that looks real and asks for a password, a card number, or a code.
The tells
- Urgency. Real companies rarely demand you act in the next five minutes. Scammers always do.
- A link you didn’t expect, especially a shortened one that hides where it really goes.
- It asks for information. Your bank already knows your account number. They aren’t texting to confirm it.
- The number looks off, like a random 10-digit number instead of a real business shortcode.
What to do when one lands
The rule is simple: don’t click, don’t reply, don’t call the number in the text. If you think it might be real, go to the company yourself. Open your bank’s app, type the real website in by hand, or call the number on the back of your card. Never use the contact info the text gave you, because that’s the whole trick.
You can also forward scam texts to 7726 (it spells SPAM) to report them to your carrier, then delete them.
Why this matters for your business
It isn’t just personal. Scammers text employees pretending to be the boss. “Hey, I’m stuck in a meeting, can you grab some gift cards real quick?” One employee who falls for it can cost you real money. A quick heads-up to your team about what these look like goes a long way.
Want to train your team?
I help small businesses teach their staff to spot scams like this before they cost anyone money. I’m Jay, a local IT and cybersecurity guy serving Delray Beach to West Palm Beach. Reach out and let’s make your team a harder target.