The Two Words That Could Save You From the Next Wave of SMS Scams
Over $3.3 billion was lost to fraud in 2023, and SMS scams are a rapidly growing piece of that pie. While we’ve been warned about suspicious links for years, cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics. Now, cybersecurity experts are pinpointing two seemingly innocuous words – “com” and “track” – as critical red flags in the escalating battle against phishing attacks targeting your smartphone.
Why “Com” and “Track” Are Suddenly So Dangerous
These aren’t new words, of course. But their prevalence in recent scam attempts is alarming. The word “com,” often embedded in deceptively shortened links, is used to mimic legitimate websites. Scammers create fake sites resembling trusted entities like banks, postal services, or tax authorities, hoping you won’t notice the subtle difference. The goal? To steal your login credentials or financial information. As a general rule, legitimate organizations rarely send direct links via SMS without prior communication or a verification step.
Similarly, “track” exploits our reliance on package tracking. The lure of a delayed delivery or an anticipated shipment is powerful. Clicking a link containing “track” often leads to a fraudulent site designed to harvest your data, masquerading as the tracking page of carriers like UPS or Chronopost. Always go directly to the official carrier’s website to check your package status – never trust a link sent via text.
The Evolution of Sophistication: Beyond Simple Phishing
Cybercriminals aren’t just sending mass texts anymore. They’re leveraging increasingly sophisticated techniques, including Spamhause data showing a rise in “typosquatting” – registering domain names that are slight misspellings of legitimate ones – and using URL shorteners to obscure malicious links. These methods are no longer confined to the United States; they’re widespread globally, including in France and across Europe.
Protecting Yourself: Daily Habits to Stay Secure
The first line of defense is simple: SMS scams are best avoided by never clicking links in suspicious texts. If a message contains “com” or “track,” delete it immediately. Don’t give scammers a foothold.
Here are additional steps you can take:
- Activate Spam Filtering: Most smartphones offer built-in spam filtering features. Enable these to automatically block suspect messages.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your smartphone’s operating system and all applications. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.
- Consider Mobile Antivirus: While not foolproof, a reputable mobile antivirus app can provide an extra layer of protection.
- Be Wary of Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to SMS scams, often targeted with fraudulent messages impersonating pension organizations like Agirc-Arrco. Educating family members and friends about these threats is crucial.
Looking Ahead: The Future of SMS Scamming
As awareness of “com” and “track” increases, scammers will inevitably adapt. We can expect to see a shift towards more personalized attacks, leveraging data breaches to create highly convincing phishing messages. Artificial intelligence (AI) will likely play a larger role, enabling scammers to generate more realistic and persuasive text messages. The rise of more sophisticated AI-powered scams will require even greater vigilance and proactive security measures.
Staying informed is paramount. Regularly check resources like Spamhaus and Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr for the latest alerts and scam trends. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and protecting yourself requires continuous learning and adaptation.
What steps are you taking to protect yourself from SMS scams? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
