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Fraud & Security
Protect your business from text message scams
What is ‘smishing’?
Text message scams or `smishing` is fraudsters using text messages to trick you into divulging sensitive information like PINs and passwords. The message will often appear to be from a legitimate source and may ask you to click on a fake link or open an attachment.
The links or attachments may redirect you to a fake website which could compromise your account details or attempt to infect your device with a virus.
The message may set the ‘alpha tag’ on the message to appear to originate from a genuine company (the alpha tag is the name at the top of the message, telling you who sent it).
Actions you can take
- Never reply to a suspicious message.
- Never call the telephone number in the message. Always contact the bank using a number you know and trust.
- Exercise care when using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Keep your phone's operating system up to date and don’t install apps from un-trusted sources. Consider using anti-virus software for your phones and tablets.
- Share this page with employees and colleagues, so they know what to look out for. Put training in place, so people know how to spot suspicious texts and other threats.
- For the latest cyber security advice and resources, visit the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
- If you’ve clicked on a suspicious link, run a scan with your antivirus software to check your device for any malicious software.
- Forward any suspicious texts referring to RBS International