Since the advent of digital conversion, many people have been transitioning to online platforms, and scammers are also constantly searching for different methods to conduct digital scams.
One such method that is becoming increasingly popular is "smishing texts," which involves fraudulent text messages. Perhaps you have received such a message yourself. However, after reading this article, you will have a better understanding of how to protect yourself from this threat.
We will also discuss why the FBI warns iPhone and Android users about 'phishing' texts, whether they are truly dangerous, and what kind of information they can access. Let's discuss this in detail.
What does the Term ‘Shimshing’ Mean? What Are Smishing Attacks?
This is a new technique that hackers are using. If a message appears on social media, people usually consider it fake or spam. If it comes via email, the email itself is usually categorized as spam. That's why hackers have started using this new method. In this, they create a link by combining an SMS and a phishing link, which is then sent as an SMS.
According to cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42, it has been discovered that Chinese cybercriminal organizations used a large number of malicious domains associated with the scam.
As soon as a person clicks on that link, they become a victim, and their information gets accessed by the hackers. This trick is very effective because people tend to open SMS messages more often. Therefore, the FBI has warned iPhone and Android users about it.
How Smishing Works
Common methods cyber criminals used to access user information:
1st Step:Send Bait Messages
Cyber criminals send messages that contain a phishing link, but they customize them to appear as if they come from a trusted source, such as a bank or government or some other trusted company. The message is written in such a way that the person feels compelled to click on it immediately.
They can include any line with the links, like 'Your bank account is about to be blocked. click on this link.'
Or a parcel message may come stating that your parcel cannot be delivered, and to check the details by clicking on this link.
2nd Step: What happens next?
When a person clicks on the link, a clear website appears that does not seem fake at all, so the person doesn't go back. Then, when someone enters their username and password and types in their credit information there, their bank account gets emptied.
This is because these websites are handled by hackers. You can get an idea of this from the fact that cybercriminals have registered over 10,000 domains, which they use to commit such fraud, targeting iPhone and Android users with fraudulent text messages designed to steal personal and financial information.
This information can be used in different ways, such as withdrawing money from a bank account, or criminals can use this information to create illegal credit cards, or they may sell this information.
Which Techniques CyberCriminal Use To For Smishing Attacks
One method we've previously discussed is that it sends an emotional message or a message of existence that prompts a person to open the link without thinking, whether in happiness or sadness.
Alternatively, they use spoofing techniques, where they replace a real number with a fake number, often using a small number that seems legitimate, like one belonging to a company. Most hackers use fake temporary numbers for this purpose.
Sometimes, hackers send messages targeting specific groups; if they want bank customer data, they target those individuals. Similarly, scholarship scams may target students by suggesting they can apply for a scholarship through the link provided.
How iPhone And Android Users Can Stay Safe From Smishing Texts In 2025: FBI Warning
- If you come across an odd message, you should remove it immediately and avoid clicking on any links it may contain. Check the message before opening it, even if you believe it may be from someone you trust. So the best recommendation here is to always be careful and avoid clicking on links you don't recognize.
- Use the "report junk" option on your phone to report suspicious texts. This helps the messaging app detect that the message is spam.
- Keep your data secure and try to remove it from public databases. Scammers use these databases to execute targeted attacks.
- Inform your friends and family about smishing scams so they can also stay alert.
The inclusion of foreign domain extensions like China's .XIN in smishing scams is the example that evinces how criminals use domain names to mislead users. The following is an explanation of the threat and mechanisms involved:
Foreign Domain Extensions and Their Applications in Scams
What Are Foreign Domain Extensions?
Domain suffixes such as .cn (China), .xin (China), .me (Montenegro), or .ly (Libya) are ccTLDs that represent the location of a website. They are frequently misused by spammers because of their low registration levels, hence considered preferable for such misuse.
Why Are They Used in Smishing?
Spammers employ these extensions to launch imitation sites that appear to be from genuine organizations. Such domains may appear close to genuine ones and deceive users into thinking they are official. For example , a .me domain may appear similar to an official government website but is malicious.
Also Read: How is the FBI connected with soft software development?
Risks Associated with Foreign Domains
- Clicking on links with foreign suspicious domains may result in phishing websites aimed at stealing user data or installing malware on mobile phones. Malware can capture sensitive information such as bank credentials or OTPs.
- Spammers take advantage of internationalized domain names (IDNs) by utilizing characters that resemble authentic ones. This makes it challenging for users to detect fraudulent sites, particularly on smartphone screens where these differences are not easily noticed.
- Such scams include misleading users into registering unnecessary foreign domain extensions based on safeguarding their trademarks or intellectual property. This serves no purpose and leads to a loss of money.
Final Words
To remain protected from changing smishing scams, always check unusual messages, do not click unfamiliar links, and keep your devices updated with strong security features.
Scammers will always find creative ways to manipulate individuals, so being aware and vigilant is your best protection. If you notice a suspicious text message, report it right away and safeguard your personal data. In today's digital world, awareness is paramount—be careful, be secure!