What is Smishing?
SMS phishing — fake text messages with links trying to steal your banking details.
Smishing = SMS + Phishing.
A text might say "Your parcel is held, pay a customs fee" or "We found unusual activity — click here". Scammers use messages like these to pressure people into opening links or sharing details.
Red flags:
- A message asking you to open a link or share private information - A small fee that makes it feel easy to pay without checking - Threats: "Package will be destroyed within 24 hours" - Lookalike domains (buffalo-clearance-pay.co.za instead of buffaloex.com) - A sender name or number that seems familiar; sender names can be faked, so don't rely on them.
Safe rule:
Don't use a link in an unexpected delivery or banking SMS to make a payment. Open the official app or website yourself, or contact the company using details you already trust.