Smishing texts: what are they, what you can do
Smishing texts are a scam intended to trick the receiver into sharing personal information, like bank details.
Problem Solved
The FBI is warning the public about an uptick in smishing attempts involving AI-generated voice messages purporting to be from senior government officials.
In a public service announcement issued May 15, the agency said bad actors have been targeting individuals — many of whom are current or former government employees — with text and AI-generated voice messages claiming to be from U.S. officials.
The methods, known as smishing and vishing, are intended to “establish rapport before gaining access to personal accounts,” the FBI said.
The perpetrators may, for example, ask to transition to a separate messaging platform by sending a malicious link, the FBI said.
With access to government-affiliated accounts, the culprits can gain private contact information for other officials. They may also try to elicit information or money, the agency said.
What is smishing and vishing?
Smishing and vishing are the names of the fraudulent communication campaigns the FBI is warning about.
According to the FBI, smishing is malicious targeting using text messages. Vishing uses audio messages that may include AI-generated voices.
They are similar tactics to phishing, which uses email to target individuals.
How to spot a fake message
The FBI offers the following tips for spotting smishing, vishing or phishing attempts:
- Verify the identity of the person calling you or sending messages by researching the number, organization or person trying to contact you.
- Carefully examine the email address, phone number or URL. Scammers often use slight differences to deceive you and gain your trust.
- Look for subtle imperfections in images and videos, such as distorted hands or feet, unrealistic facial features, inaccurate shadows, watermarks, voice call lag time and unnatural movements.
- Listen closely to the tone and word choice to distinguish between a legitimate phone call or voice message and AI-generated voice cloning.
- When in doubt about the authenticity of someone trying to communicate with you, contact security officials or the FBI for help.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at [email protected].