Three warns phone users over ‘smishing’ nightmare text that empties your bank

THREE is warning users over dangerous ‘smishing’ attacks that cause chaos.

Smishing attacks can cause a whole host of problems for unsuspecting iPhone and Android users.

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It could trick you into installing malware on your device that spies on you – or handing over personal info

This could be used to defraud you, extort you, or steal your money.

“Text spam (known as SMS Phishing or Smishing for short) is something scammers use to trick you into going to a website or to call a specified number,” Three explained in an official security memo.

“If you respond, they’ll ask you to provide confidential details, attempt to infect your device with malware, or get you to respond to a premium rate service.

“These messages can be very convincing and they might look like they’re from organisations you’ve used before.”

According to Three, there are some clear warning signs that a smishing text is on your phone.

It might threaten to lock you out of your account.

Or you may be warned that your account has been compromised.

A smishing text might also claim that you’ve won a prize, or you can get a freebie or deal that seems too good to be true.

Often smishing texts will ask you to click a link or hand over confidential info.

This might include a password, date of birth, or your mother’s maiden name.

It’s also a common trick to have you call a phone number.

“They can ask you for sensitive info or get you to call a premium rate number,” Three warned.

Thankfully smishing texts are easy to avoid is you follow simple safety advice.

“Don’t click on links unless you’re 100% sure they’re genuine,” Three advised.

“Think about whether the sender would contact you in this way – most companies won’t ask you to confirm bank details over text message.

Remember that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

“If you’re still not sure, get in touch with the organisation that seems to have sent you the message to see if it’s from them.

“Just make sure you don’t use any of the contact details from the text – go to their website to find more info.”

You can forward any suspected scam messages to 7726 for free so they can be investigated.