Hey Community!
Getting tired of those pesky scam text messages filled with nonsense and malicious intent? We call that Smishing (sms + fishing), and just like you, we’re getting pretty fed up with it.
Smishers use text messages to scam you into giving up your personal or financial information, usually by inviting you to a visit a website or call a phone number. These can be difficult to identify given how little text there is, but if you take a closer look it’s easier to detect the deception.
Here are some tips to avoid being duped by these scammers:
Be wary of requests for personal information
If you get a text that states “this is from Fido Your account has been compromised, click here to confirm your information”, it’s a scam. We don’t do that.
Most legit businesses don’t use emails, SMS or pop-ups when gathering personal information. And they won’t direct you to a shady URL to enter your personal info, either.
Watch for alarmists
If you get offered lottery-sized payouts for a little bit of information, or you’re told that babies or puppies are going to suffer if you don’t share your information, it’s a scam.
Look for typos in URLs or email addresses
Scam artists will often register domains with minor variations on actual domain names, like www.ffido.ca.
Take your time to read the SMS so you detect the deceptive tactics.
Stay informed
Learn more about detecting fraud and keeping yourself and friends aware. Here are some sites to check out:
- Identity Theft and Identity Fraud Victim Assistance Guide
- Email Fraud/Phishing Information
- The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
UPDATE: As of March, 2017, customers can send any spam SMS they receive to 7726 (SPAM). This will submit the message to be audited then blocked from the Fido network. This can be easily done on most devices by pressing and holding the body of the message, then press the forward button and send to 7726. No additional charges apply for using this service.
Have any other tips? Please share them in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article. If you're receiving these types of message, please share them on this thread started by @Cawtau.
Check out this page to read up on other types of scams. Gotta be in the know!
Cheers!
-FidoStephane
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